Turkey－Enhanced Marine Pollution Regulations and Substantial Fines
The Turkish authorities have been progressively tightening the regulations related to marine pollution with the aim of strengthening marine environmental protection, and are imposing substantial fines on violators. Therefore, we urge all the members to pay close attention to the following points during their navigation and operations within Turkish waters, and to take all possible measures to prevent marine pollution.
Characteristics of Turkey's Fine System
Unlike other countries, Turkey's fine system determines the basic amount based on the gross tonnage of the vessel causing the spill, regardless of the type or volume of the marine pollutant to be spilled. Furthermore, the base rate is increasing annually, with a significant increase of approximately 44% from the 2024 rate, effective 1 January 2025.
The 2025 rates are as follows:
| Vessel type and pollutant | Gross Tonnage | Tarif of Fine |
| Petroleum and Petroleum products spills from tankers (e.g. Crude Oil, Liquid Fuel, Greasy Waste, Oily Mud, Sludge) | Up to GRT1,000 | TL4,583.90 per Ton |
| GRT1,001 ~ GRT5,000 | An additional TL1,146.01 per Ton | |
| Over GRT5,000 | An additional TL114.55 per Ton | |
| Dirty ballast spills from tankers | Up to GRT 1,000 | TL835.15 per Ton |
| GRT1,001 ~ GRT5,000 | An additional TL166.61 per Ton | |
| Over GRT5,000 | An additional TL26.44 per Ton | |
| Marine spills of petroleum products and dirty ballast from vessels | Up to GRT1,000 | TL2,291.94 per Ton |
| GRT1,001 ~ GRT5,000 | An additional TL458.40 per Ton | |
| Over GRT5,000 | An additional TL114.55 per Ton | |
| Marine spills of waste and wastewater from vessels | Up to GRT1,001 | TL1,146.01 per Ton |
| GRT1,001 ~ GRT5,000 | An additional TL229.21 per Ton | |
| Over GRT5,000 | An additional TL26.44 per Ton |
The above are the basic amounts depending upon the vessel’s gross tonnage and not the final determined amount. Additionally, the following factors are considered depending on the details of the incident when determining the final fine amount:
- Inclusion of hazardous substances: 10 times of the base amount
- Spill occurring in an environmental protection zone: 2 times the base amount
- Spill caused by a corporate-owned vessel: 3 times the base amount
However, since most major Turkish ports fall within the environmental protection zones and most of the ocean going vessels are corporate owned, a fine equivalent to at least 6 times the base amount (factors 2 and 3 above) is consistently applied. If hazardous substances are involved (factor 1 above), the final fine amount could be as high as 60 times the base amount.
Practical Procedures
In the event of a discharge of marine pollutants, before the vessel's departure, it is mandatory to provide a Club letter of guarantee to the Turkish authorities, with wording preferred by authorities ensuring payment of the fine amount within 30 days. After payment is successfully remitted, the letter of guarantee can be requested back and returned.
A 25% reduction is applied if early payment is made within 30 days of the final notification. Furthermore, an additional 1/3 reduction is granted if a voluntary and effective cleanup operation is undertaken by the crew of the vessel after the spill.
For details, please find attached the circular from our Turkish correspondent, Kalimbassieris Maritime A.S.
For the latest information, please contact local agents.
For further information, please click here.