Government Determined To Clear Turkish Waters Of Inactive Vessels

The Turkish Parliament has ratified the omnibus bill numbered 7061 which includes a crucial amendment ("Amendment") to the Turkish Ports Act ("Act") and entrusts Harbour Masters with broad powers vis-à-vis all those who are interested in unattended, abandoned or inactive vessels (hereinafter jointly referred to as "Inactive Vessels") and wrecks within the legal areas of Turkish ports. The amendment entered into force on 5 December 2017 after being published in the Official Gazette.

We had explained in our client alert dated 4 May 2017 the circumstances under which a Harbour Master may apply to the Enforcement Courts for the sale of Inactive Vessels. The government has taken it further and with this amendment introduced even stricter measures applicable to Inactive Vessels.