Marking the 20th anniversary of the partnership between Arkas Holding and the Turkish Marine Environment Protection Association (TURMEPA), their commitment to protecting the seas continues without interruption. During the 2026 season, the TURMEPA II waste collection vessel will continue its operations in the bays of Çeşme, collecting liquid waste from marine vessels and supporting the protection of the Aegean Sea’s blue waters.
The Arkas TURMEPA II project, one of Arkas Holding’s long-standing environmental investments aimed at protecting the seas, marks its 20th anniversary with the 2026 season. Under the partnership shaped by the shared environmental vision of both institutions, the TURMEPA II waste collection vessel will serve the bays of Çeşme from June until November.
The vessel will continue to contribute to the prevention of marine pollution by safely collecting bilge water, sewage and other liquid wastes generated by marine vessels, while also continuing its efforts to promote environmental awareness among the maritime community.
20 Years of Growing Environmental Impact
The cooperation between Arkas Holding and TURMEPA, which began in 2004, has become one of the exemplary projects aimed at protecting Türkiye’s seas over the past 20 years. Serving thousands of boats along the coastlines of İzmir and Çeşme to date, Arkas TURMEPA II has contributed to the promotion of a sustainable maritime culture not only through its waste collection activities but also through educational and awareness-raising initiatives that strengthen environmental consciousness.
Over the first 19 years of the project, 2.4 million liters of liquid waste were collected. With the 2026 season, the project aims to expand this positive environmental impact even further. The partnership, which the two institutions have maintained with determination for 20 years, continues to stand as a strong demonstration of their shared responsibility to preserve clean and healthy seas for future generations.
More Than 92,000 Liters of Waste Collected During the 2025 Season
Arkas TURMEPA II continued to make a meaningful environmental impact during the 2025 season. Operating across the bays of Çeşme, the waste collection vessel received 92,442 liters of liquid waste from 977 vessels. In doing so, it helped prevent the pollution of nearly 740,000 liters of seawater, contributing to healthier marine ecosystems.
Throughout the season, waste collection activities were not the only focus; awareness of waste management and environmental protection among mariners and visitors was also supported through informational activities carried out at marinas and in bays.
