Turkey Tightens Maritime Restrictions Amidst Israeli Tensions

In a significant maritime policy shift, Turkish port authorities have begun to informally demand shipping agents provide letters declaring that the vessels have no affiliation with Israel and are not transporting military or hazardous materials to the country, according to two industry sources.

This move follows Turkey's severing of $7 billion in annual trade with Israel last year over the conflict with the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Two sources reveal that port agents are being verbally instructed to secure written reassurances, despite no official documentation being issued on the matter.

The requirement affects all Turkish ports, with the second source confirming that ships coming from or going to Israeli ports will be denied access per the directives of the Kocaeli port authority. Turkish-flagged vessels will similarly face restrictions, posing a challenge to shipments in the Eastern Mediterranean amid ongoing regional tensions.

(With inputs from agencies.)