The Turkish Ministry of Treasury and Finance has announced the annual inflation adjustment applicable to administrative fines for marine pollution. As published in the Official Gazette of 27 November 2025, the inflation adjustment rate for 2026 is set at 25.49%.
Consequently, all pollution fines in Turkey will increase by 25.49% with effect from 1 January 2026, compared to the levels applied in 2025. Vessel operators calling at Turkish ports or transiting Turkish waters should therefore anticipate a significant increase in fines for pollution.
- Pollution caused by tankers discharging petroleum and petroleum derivatives (such as crude oil, fuel products, bilge, sludge, slop, refined product, greasy waste materials etc.):
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- Up to 1,000 (inclusive) GT: TL 5.752,34 per unit GT
- Between 1,000 and 5,000 (inclusive) GT: TL Additional 1.438,13 per unit GT
- Over 5,000 GT: Additional TL 143,75 per unit GT
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- Dirty ballast discharged to sea by tankers:
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- Up to 1,000 (inclusive) GT: TL 1.048,03 per unit GT
- Between 1,000 and 5,000 (inclusive) GT: Additional TL 209,08 per unit GT
- Over 5,000 GT: Additional TL 33,18 per unit GT
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- Petrol/petroleum products (such as bilge, sludge, slop, fuel products, greasy waste materials etc.) and dirty ballast discharged to sea by vessels or any other sea vehicles:
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- Up to 1,000 (inclusive) GT: TL 2.876,16 per unit GT
- Between 1,000 and 5,000 (inclusive) GT: Additional TL 575,25 per unit GT
- Over 5,000 GT: Additional TL 143,75 per unit GT
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- Garbage, sewage, detergent water, foam, scrubber water or similar wash water, etc. discharged to sea by vessels and any other sea vehicles greater than 150 GT:
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- Up to 18 (inclusive) GT: TL 31.898,91
- 18-50 (inclusive) GT: TL 63.803,22
- 50-100 (inclusive) GT: TL 127.606,45
- 100-150 (inclusive) GT: TL 191.411,48
- Up to 1000 (inclusive) GT: TL 1.438,24 per unit GT
- 1001-5000 (inclusive) GT: TL 1.725,88 per unit GT
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When a pollution allegation occurs in Turkey, the vessel is in most cases immediately detained and an investigation begins. The authorities will board the vessel to take crew statements and determine whether samples need to be collected. If sampling is required, Authorities may take samples onboard, from the alleged polluted area, and from clean sea water for comparison. If the pollution source is unclear, samples are analysed by TÜBİTAK and a fine is issued only after confirmation. If evidence clearly identifies the pollutant or source, the fine can be issued immediately without waiting for lab results. To secure the vessel’s release during the investigation, owners must provide security either through a P&I Club Letter of Undertaking (LoU) or a Turkish bank guarantee. The LoU must follow strict wording required by the Authorities, including an undertaking to pay the fine within 30 days.
Prompt involvement of a local P&I correspondent is essential to manage dealings with Authorities efficiently and protect the vessel’s interests throughout the process.
For further questions and assistance, members are invited to contact the NNPC claims team at claims@nnpc-marine.com.
