January 06, 2025, REVISED MARITIME TRAFFIC REGULATIONS FOR THE TURKISH STRAITS
As of February 1, 2025, the following regulations are entering into force for vessels transiting the Turkish Straits:
Passages will be cancelled for vessels found to have pilot ladders that do not comply with both rigging and condition requirements for pilot transfers as set forth by Regulation 23 of Chapter V of the Safety of Life at Sea Convention and IMO ResolutionA.1045(27).
For piling barges, crane barges, mud barges, etc., towed by Turkish flagged tugboats belonging to companies engaged in submarine water services and port construction with a total towing length of up to 90 meters, the agent of the vessel can apply to the relevant port authority or if the passage will be through both Straits (Bosporus or Dardanelles), only to the Istanbul Regional Port Authority and will request the determination of notified transit conditions; the towing vessel which will pass with notification will pass through the Straits at a speed of at least 4 nm relative to the land and during the daylight, taking into consideration the meteorological conditions.
Vessels with dual-fuel capability that can use alternative fuels including liquid natural gas (LNG) are no longer required to attain tug escort while transiting through the Straits.
Any vessel that experiences a malfunction in the Sea of Marmara that is to pass through the Turkish Straits will be surveyed by the local port authority or the vessel’s classification society.
Laden vessels calling petroleum refineries, LNG, liquid petroleum gas and energy plants or any vessel calling shipyards with written contracts for maintenance and repair can apply at least 48 hours in advance for priority transit upon approval by the Directorate of General Maritime.
Your Managers recommend that Members take note of this information and be guided accordingly and thank Club correspondent Vitsan Mumessillik ve Musalvirlik, A.S. in Istanbul for their assistance on this topic and for providing the information upon which this Alert has been based.
