Pollution fines in Turkey have been subject to a regular annual increase for many years. As per the latest amendments brought into effect from 1st January 2023, there is another significant increase in the penalty amounts levied for fines applied by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) against the offending vessels.
According to the West P&I Club, it is important to note that the authorities do not need to substantiate their allegations. It is up to the vessel to prove otherwise, making pollution fines in Turkey very difficult to challenge.
The Turkish fines are as follows, according to Metropole Maritime & Trading Ltd Co.:
#1 Pollution from petroleum tankers and derivatives for real persons:
#2 Dirty ballast discharged to sea by tankers for real persons:
#3 Pollution from ships and other sea vehicles that release petroleum/petroleum derivatives for real persons:
#4 Pollution from tankers, ships and other sea vehicles due to discharge of sewage, detergent water, foam, exhaust gas washing system water or any other kind of washing water or solid wastes for real persons:
#5 Bunker maximum sulphur content related fines:
#6 Pollution fine rate for real persons and legal entities as per the latest updates published on 30 December 2022:
