Turkish Straits - new transit time implemented
Overview
The Turkish Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications, has on 28 July 2017, amended the 'transit' rule in the Maritime Traffic Regulations for the Turkish Straits, from 48 hours to 168 hours.
The Turkish Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications, has on 28 July 2017, amended the Maritime Traffic Regulations for the Turkish Straits, allowing ships that transit through the Turkish (Istanbul and Dardanelles) Straits to remain for 168 hours, ie seven days, as opposed to the original 48-hour stopover. In the past, ships that exceeded the 48-stopover limit were obliged to drop anchor, obtain a free pratique and were subject to the free pratique tariff as opposed to the cheaper transit tariff. This new rule will enable ships in transit to have more time to obtain provisions, repairs, crew changes etc in locations which are designated as anchorage areas ( see regulation article 23 of the Maritime Traffic Regulations for the Turkish Straits).
Note that ships, through their agent, must obtain permission from the Vessel Traffic Service Centers and will remain under the surveillance of the concerned authorities without taking ‘free pratique’. Administration has the right to shorten that period if it is deemed necessary.
Ships wanting to take advantage of this new rule are advised to inform their local agents as early as possible of their expected time of transit as there may be delays due to the implementation of the new rule.
To assist members planning their voyage to Turkish Straits, please go to general information for Turkey for guidance.
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Posted:
01 August 2017
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