Updated pollution rates pursuant to the Turkish Environmental Code

According to Omur Marine, it is important to note that the applicable sea pollution fines scale undergoes annual updates. According to the amendment published on 25.11.2023 in the Official Gazette, the rate of increase for sea pollution fines in 2024 is regulated to be 58.46%. Consequently, fines will be imposed based on the following rates under Article 20 of the Environment Code as of 01.01.2024:

#1 For pollution caused by tankers discharging petroleum and petroleum derivatives (such as crude oil, fuel products, bilge, sludge, slop, refined product, greasy waste materials etc.):

i) For vessels less than 1000 GT / 3.184,81 TL per GT;

ii) for vessels between 1000 GT – 5000 GT / in addition to above fine amount 796,23 TL per GT;

iii) for vessels more than 5000 GT / in addition to above fine amounts 79,59 TL per GT.

#2 For pollution caused by tankers discharging dirty ballast:

i) For vessels less than 1000 GT 580,25 TL per GT;

ii) for vessels between 1000 GT – 5000 GT / inaddition to above fine amount 115,76 TL per GT;

iii) for vessels more than 5000 GT / inaddition to above fine amounts 18,37 TL per GT.

#3 For pollution caused by ships and other naval vessels discharging petroleum derivatives (such as bilge, sludge, slop, fuel products, greasy waste materials etc…) or dirty ballast:

i) For vessels less than 1000 GT 1.592,40 TL per GT;

ii) for vessels between 1000 GT – 5000 GT / in addition to above fine amount 318,49 TL per GT;

iii) for vessels more than 5000 GT / in addition to above fine amounts 79,59 TL per GT.

#4 For pollution caused by tankers, ships and other naval vessels discharging solid waste or domestic wastewater:

i) For vessels less than 1000 GT/ 796,23 TL per GT;

ii) For vessels between 1000 GT – 5000 GT / additional to above fine amount 159,25 TL per GT;

iii) For vessels more than 5000 GT / additional to abovefine amounts 18,37 TL per GT.