Turkish Straits: Transit Time Increased To 168 Hours

A new rule implemented by the Turkish authorities on 28 July 2017 addresses the maximum stopover period for a vessel before its "in transit" status will be broken while passing the Turkish (Istanbul and Dardanelles) Straits. The communique issued by the Turkish Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communication increases the maximum transit time of vessels in Turkish waters from 48 hours to 168 hours, i.e. 7 days.

The rule before amendment allowed only 48 hours for vessels that required repairs, maintenance, crew change etc. within the Turkish Straits to complete these procedures in order to be considered "in transit". Vessels that exceeded the 48-hours stopover threshold were obliged to drop anchor, obtain a free pratique and were subject to the free pratique tariff instead of the much cheaper transit tariff.