Arkas Holding has signed a $75 million credit agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and DEG - Deutsche Investitions-und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH. The agreement represents the second phase of a total $335 million financing package structured by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and marks ADB's first private sector infrastructure financing in Türkiye. The signing ceremony in Izmir was attended by Arkas Holding Chairman Lucien Arkas along with senior officials from IFC, ADB, and DEG.
IFC completed the $260 million first phase of the financing package in September 2025 with support from private sector and institutional investors. The second phase will support Arkas Holding's modernization of its maritime fleet, expansion of logistics capacity, and strategic projects including Autoport's capacity investment over the next eight years. The funds will be allocated to ship and logistics equipment investments, port operations development, and tractor and equipment procurement.
Arkas Holding Chairman Lucien Arkas stated, "Moving the financing process we started with IFC to the second phase together with strong international institutions like ADB and DEG is an important step. Long-term partnerships with which we can grow our investments together and continue on our path steadily are very important to us." IFC Türkiye Manager Selma Rasavac-Avdagic emphasized that the agreement demonstrates IFC's role in long-term international capital mobilization and continues to bring additional resources into the process to increase port capacity, modernize fleets, and strengthen Türkiye's regional and global connectivity.
ADB Private Sector Operations Department Deputy Director General Marife Apilado expressed great satisfaction in partnering with Arkas Holding, an established and diversified logistics group, for their first infrastructure investment in Türkiye. Apilado noted that Türkiye's transport sector offers strong opportunities for sustainable infrastructure development and private sector growth by leveraging the country's strategic position on the Middle Corridor connecting Asia and Europe. DEG Africa-EMECA Industry and Services Director Franziska Hollmann stated they are proud to strengthen the long-term relationship between Arkas and KfW Group that began in 1999 with the financing of the first vessels, emphasizing that this financing agreement combines economic performance with sustainable development.
The signing ceremony held on May 13 in Izmir brought together Arkas Holding Chairman Lucien Arkas, Vice Chairmen Bernard Arkas and Diane Arcas Göçmez, along with Arkas senior executives and representatives from IFC, ADB, and DEG. The agreement is considered a strategic step toward strengthening Türkiye's logistics infrastructure and enhancing its role in international trade corridors.
Key Takeaways:
1. Arkas Holding has completed the second phase of a $335 million IFC-coordinated financing package by signing a $75 million credit agreement with ADB and DEG.
2. The agreement marks the Asian Development Bank's first private sector infrastructure financing in Türkiye.
3. The financing will support Arkas Holding's eight-year investment plan to modernize its maritime fleet, expand Autoport capacity, and grow its logistics network.
4. IFC completed the $260 million first phase of the financing package in September 2025 with support from private sector and institutional investors.
5. The project will leverage Türkiye's strategic position on the Middle Corridor connecting Asia and Europe to strengthen regional and global connectivity.
