Petrol Ofisi Group’s Marine Fuel Brand PO/Marine takes a decisive step ahead of the Mediterranean’s ECA implementation with its first successful bunkering operation of Ultra Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (ULSFO), reinforcing its leadership in environmentally responsible marine fuel solutions.
Istanbul, Türkiye – May 01, 2025 — PO/Marine, the dedicated marine fuel brand of the Petrol Ofisi Group and a leading force in Türkiye’s bunkering industry, has officially completed its first bunkering operation of Ultra Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (ULSFO) with a sulphur content of 0.10%, aligning its operations with the forthcoming Mediterranean Emission Control Area (MED ECA) regulation. This pioneering initiative places PO/Marine among the vanguard of fuel suppliers adapting early to one of the most significant regulatory shifts in maritime environmental standards in recent history.
The bunkering operation was successfully carried out on April 15, 2025, well ahead of the May 1, 2025 deadline, when the Mediterranean Sea will officially be designated as an Emission Control Area under the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The new regulation mandates that all vessels navigating within the designated Mediterranean ECA must use marine fuels with a sulphur content not exceeding 0.10%, a substantial reduction from the previous global cap of 0.50%.
This strategic move by PO/Marine is both timely and significant, demonstrating the company’s preparedness and commitment to not only comply with but also lead in the transition toward more sustainable marine operations.
Aydın Yıldız, Senior Maritime Manager at Petrol Ofisi Group, shared his insights on the development:
“Our leadership in the maritime fuel sector is defined not only by our market share but also by the innovative steps we take to shape the industry. Successfully completing the supply of marine fuel with 0.10% sulphur content in alignment with the MED ECA transition in Türkiye is a concrete reflection of this.”
“We previously led the way with the country’s first VLSFO (Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil) bunkering operation, setting a precedent in our sector. With our ULSFO bunkering, we have once again demonstrated that we are setting the standard in Türkiye’s marine fuel landscape. The designation of the Mediterranean as an Emission Control Area is not only a regional development but a historic turning point for global maritime operations. We are proud to not only be part of this transformation but to be among those leading it. We will continue to shape the future of the maritime sector by delivering environmentally friendly and fully regulation-compliant services.”
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Leading the Energy Transition in Marine Fuels
As the shipping industry intensifies efforts to reduce emissions and transition toward cleaner fuels, PO/Marine’s early adoption and proactive operational readiness mark an important contribution to decarbonization and environmental compliance. ULSFO—an ultra-low sulphur distillate fuel—meets the stringent requirements set out for ECA zones, significantly cutting sulphur oxide (SOx) emissions, which are linked to air pollution and respiratory problems.
The Mediterranean ECA designation, approved by the IMO in 2022, covers the entire Mediterranean Sea basin, including ports, coastal waters, and territorial seas of 22 bordering countries. This measure is expected to yield considerable public health and environmental benefits, reducing annual sulphur oxide emissions in the region by an estimated 78% and particulate matter by approximately 23%, according to IMO data.
Reinforcing Türkiye’s Strategic Role in Global Shipping
Türkiye’s geographic position—at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East—makes it a critical hub in the global maritime supply chain. PO/Marine’s swift compliance with MED ECA standards reflects not only its technical capabilities but also its strategic foresight in enhancing Türkiye’s stature in sustainable maritime logistics.
The April bunkering operation signals the start of PO/Marine’s broader ULSFO distribution program, with continued investments in infrastructure, supply chain optimization, and operational readiness to ensure seamless service for international and domestic shipowners operating in the Mediterranean.
Looking Ahead
With this milestone, PO/Marine reaffirms its commitment to supporting the global maritime sector’s transition toward cleaner fuel options, aligning its long-term strategy with international environmental goals. As regulatory frameworks evolve and sustainability expectations rise, PO/Marine is set to remain a reliable partner for ship operators seeking dependable, high-quality, and environmentally compliant marine fuel solutions.
For further information on PO/Marine’s fuel portfolio and compliance services, Visit PO/Marine webiste.
PO/Marine in brief
Since its foundation in 1941, Petrol Ofisi, Türkiye’s leading fuel company, has propelled the marine industry forward. Thanks to decades of experience, a robust infrastructure, and a customer-oriented approach, PO/Marine effectively meets the diverse demands of the marine industry. By prioritizing safety and adherence to ISO standards 8217:2017, PO/Marine provides 24/7 bunkering services to both domestic and international customers, with no excise tax.
PO/Marine stands out as the leading bunker supplier in the Eastern Mediterranean, offering a diverse range of products, logistics capacity, and market efficiency. With seven marine terminals and one floating station positioned along Türkiye’s entire coastline, PO/Marine is the only brand capable of supplying bunker fuel in all Turkish seas.
Türkiye’s strategic location, bridging Europe and Asia, positions it as a vital maritime and bunkering hub. The country’s major ports—including Istanbul, Izmir, Mersin, and Aliaga—play key roles in global trade, supported by a growing bunkering sector that serves thousands of vessels annually.
Petrol Ofisi’s legacy of leadership in Türkiye’s fuel and lubricant markets is complemented by its ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence. In 2018, the company achieved a total revenue of 49.9 billion TL, further solidifying its position as one of the nation’s top private enterprises and a trusted partner in the energy sector.
Source Petrol Ofisi – PO/Marine