Turkish Ports Impose Informal Shipping Restrictions Linked to Israel
Turkish authorities have begun requiring shipping agents to declare vessels' non-association with Israel and that they aren't carrying particular cargos bound for the nation. This unofficial regulation spans ports across Turkey. The Turkish transport ministry has yet to respond concerning the implications of these informal mandates.
- Country:
- Turkey
In an unprecedented move, Turkish port authorities have started informally instructing shipping agents to provide letters assuring that vessels are not associated with Israel and do not carry any military or hazardous cargo headed for the country. This was revealed by two independent shipping sources.
One source highlighted that this verbal instruction applies to all ports across Turkey, emphasizing that these assurance letters should confirm that vessel owners, managers, and operators maintain no connections with Israel. Additionally, the letters must declare that they aren't transporting specific types of cargo, such as explosives, radioactive materials, or military equipment en route to Israel.
The Turkish transport ministry has been unresponsive to inquiries for official comments on the policy. Notably, Turkey halted $7 billion in trade with Israel last year amid the conflict in Gaza involving the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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