Arkas: Admiral of the Turkish Maritime Industry
With a history spanning 100 years, Arkas is the first name that comes to mind in the Turkish maritime industry. It carries out its international activities via 20 companies and offices across 13 different countries. Having always pioneered in maritime transportation in Turkey, Arkas did the first cargo transportation inside containers in 1978. First private port management and services in the second half of 1990s was another pioneering achievement of ARKAS .
The group currently conducts its international activities via its 45 companies in Turkey as well as 20 companies and offices in 13 different countries like Greece, Germany, Italy, Monaco, Egypt, Algeria, Spain, Morocco, Bulgaria, Russia, Ukraine, Romania and Georgia.
The group owns 26 Turkish flag container vessels and 3 oil tankers.
HISTORY
The company which was founded in 1902 is now among the largest holdings of Turkey. Arkas was originally established by Gabriel Arcas as an import company in Izmir – the most important trade city of the Ottoman Empire. The company continued its import activities after the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923. The firm then led by Lucien Arkas started international transportation activities towards the end of the second World War. After making its first maritime transportation to Egypt the company soon became a global maritime establishment that cruises to all ports of the world.
PORT INVESTMENTS
The first company of Turkey that has invested in port business was founded within Arkas Group, in 1996.
Currently the port activities of the group includes Ambarlı, Istanbul, Izmir, Gemlik, Mersin, Haydarpaşa and Tekirdağ ports.
Auroport of Arkas founded at Yeniköy, Izmit is the largest dedicated car terminal of Turkey.
Arkas Maritime Organziation “Marport” is also in service at Ambarlı Istanbul with its Central, East and West terminals.
Total area of all three terminals reaches 410,000 square meters.
Arkas ports have a handling capacity of 1,400 TEUs annually.
Marport operations was awarded the three star” Certificate for Competency in Excellence” by Turkish Quality Association (Kal-der).
