Israel-Turkey Maritime Tensions Rise

Following the Turkish Ministry of Trade’s decision last year to suspend trade with Israel, new directives and instructions regarding Israel-Turkey relations were effectively implemented by the Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure on 20th August 2025 and are currently being enforced at Turkish ports through port authorities. The Club’s correspondents in Turkey, Omur Marine Ltd. and Kalimbassieris Maritime A.S., have issued updates advising on developments between the Turkish – Israeli relations and how these affect vessels calling Turkish ports.

Key highlights:

1. Vessels with any affiliation to Israel (whether owned or operated by Israeli entities or by companies connected with Israel), regardless of their flag, are prohibited from entering Turkish ports, receiving services, or engaging in commercial trade.
2. Turkish-flagged vessels are strictly prohibited from trading with Israel.
3. For issuance of delivery orders, authorities will request BIMCO SHIPMAN 2009 documentation.
4. For any contact, supply, crew change, or similar transaction (even during transit) submission of the attached Declaration of Undertaking (together with CSR, ISM, and BIMCO SHIPMAN 2009 documents) will be required.
5. Agents are required to issue a LOU confirming that they will assume full responsibility in the event of breach of the new requirements. A sample LOU is available here.
6. Non-compliance will result in significant administrative fines for agents ranging from TL 12,160 (approx. USD 300) to TL 482,333 (approx. USD 12,100).
7. Transit through the Turkish Straits under the Montreux Convention 1936 remains unaffected.
8. There are no restrictions for Israeli seafarers or passengers onboard vessels.

Members are advised to comply with the new requirements and encouraged to liaise with their contact within the Club and their local P&I correspondents and agents for guidance before calling Turkish port in order to ensure compliance with the new requirements and restrictions.

We will continue monitoring the situation and issue updates as necessary for our Members’ guidance.