Arkas Bunkering’s new-build barge begins operations
Alsancak 2, the bunker barge that most recently joined the Arkas Bunkering fleet, was christened at a ceremony in Istanbul. Alsancak 2 is the 5th Arkas Bunkering barge.
Arkas Bunkering has served as a physical supplier in Turkey since 2009 and now it has purchased its 5th bunker barge. Arkas Holding Chairman, Lucien Arkas, attended the ceremony held to launch the new Alsancak 2 barge. In his remarks at the ceremony, Lucien Arkas emphasized the importance of quality bunker fuel and safe operations. “We can say that Arkas Bunkering has the youngest tanker fleet in Turkey. We love to follow the rules. Arkas Bunkering serves its customers with double-hull barges constructed and operated in compliance with all regulations that have or will take effect and in accordance with international standards. With increased environmental awareness, new guidelines are expected to be released regarding barges. We go beyond what the rules and regulations require. We are a company that also has its own principles regarding quality. In addition to ISO standards, we have additional analyses conducted to ensure bunker fuel is used with optimal efficiency. The cost of bunker fuel is a significant part of the cost of ship operations. We are aware of this and we make safety a priority while offering price advantages. The use of low-quality bunker fuel can result in grievous consequences that no one wants.”In his remarks, Arkas mentioned how the economic crisis was continuing in the shipping sector, saying, “After the crisis, rapid operations will be very important to ship operators who do not want to waste time. We have invested in this barge during the crisis. We believe in the future of this business.” Alsancak 2 is a double-hull barge in the Bureau Veritas class with capacity of 1,770 DWT. It can delivery 600 m3 of bunker fuel per hour. With the addition of Alsancak 2, the total capacity of the fleet has risen to 8,153 DWT. Today, as a physical supplier, Arkas Bunkering provides bunkering for all vessels that request it in Turkey, and its goal is to become an important player in the foreign market as well through the Arkas offices in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.