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.