Following our previous Japan P&I News No.1320, dated 4 August 2025, concerning the substantial marine pollution fines imposed by the Turkish authorities, we hereby inform the members that new fine tariffs for 2026, effectively from 1 January 2026, have been issued as detailed below.

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 25% from the 2025 rate, effective 1 January 2026.

The 2026 rates are as follows:

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:

1. Inclusion of hazardous substances: 10 times of the base amount
2. Spill occurring in an environmental protection zone(within the entire Sea of Marmara including the Istanbul Strait, the Çanakkale Strait and Izmit Bay): 2 times the base amount
3. 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.