The Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, Directorate General of Maritime Affairs, has announced the implementation of a revised version of the Turkish Straits Vessel Traffic Regulation Implementation Directive.
The updated directive, approved under Ministerial Decree No. 306827 on 1 October 2025, officially entered into force on 13 October 2025. The revised directive modernizes the regulatory framework governing vessel traffic within the Turkish Straits system, comprising the İstanbul Strait, the Çanakkale Strait, and the Sea of Marmara. It replaces the previous version enacted under Ministerial Decree No. 13855 in 2018.
According to the Ministry, the amendments are designed to align the regulation with current maritime operational requirements, technological developments, and recently enacted maritime legislation. The updated provisions focus on enhancing navigational safety, optimizing vessel traffic management, and integrating digital monitoring systems into maritime operations.
Key changes and implications for vessels transiting the Turkish Straits
A detailed overview of the key changes and their implications for vessels transiting the Turkish Straits is expected to be published by the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs in the coming period.
| Topic | Previous Provision (2024) | New Provision (2025) | Purpose of Amendment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Night Passage – Container Vessels | Only passenger vessels of 300m and above were allowed to transit the Çanakkale Strait at night. | Container vessels of 300m and above are now also permitted to transit the Çanakkale Strait at night. | To ensure smoother flow of increasing container traffic. |
| ETA Notification Obligation | No specific provision for large container or passenger vessels. | Vessels of 300m and above (container and passenger) must notify any ETA change at least 6 hours in advance to the TBGTH Centre. | Enhance predictability and traffic planning efficiency. |
| Tug and Tow Length (Subsea/LNG Construction) | Maximum permitted tow length: 90 meters. | The maximum permitted tow length increased to 120 meters. | To improve flexibility for Turkish-flag tugs engaged in subsea and port construction activities. |
| LPG Vessels – Night Passage | LPG vessels of 150–200m could only pass during daylight. | LPG vessels of 150–200m (in ballast or carrying ammonia) may now transit the Çanakkale Strait at night under pilotage and tug escort. | Operational efficiency while maintaining safety. |
| Bilingual Checklists | Only Turkish version existed. | Official English translation added to ensure uniformity in practice. | Ease of compliance for foreign-flagged vessels. |
| Article 15 – General Transit Rules (Çanakkale Strait) | Limited provisions on pilotage and tug escort. | Updated to include detailed pilotage and tug escort requirements for enhanced safety. | Reduce anchorage waiting times and improve traffic flow. |
For easy reference – main points
- Container vessels ≥300m may transit the Çanakkale Strait at night.
- ETA changes: ≥300m passenger/container vessels must notify TBGTH 6 hours in advance.
- Tow length increased from 90m to 120m for Turkish-flag tugs (construction/subsea ops).
- LPG vessels (150–200m, in ballast/ammonia) permitted for night transit with pilot & tug.
Checklists now available in both Turkish & English. - Article 15 updated for new pilotage/tug escort planning at Çanakkale.
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Source: Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure
