Turkey - New Fuel Oil Sulphur Regulations

From 1 January 2012, new regulations concerning limits on the sulphur content of fuel oil used by vessels in Turkish ports and waters and on board Turkish flagged vessels will enter into force.

Information published by the Turkish Chamber of Shipping and the Turkish General Directorate of Marine Transport suggests that the forthcoming requirements will be as follows:

• All vessels either alongside in Turkish ports or sailing within inland waterways shall use fuel oil containing not more than 0.1% sulphur by mass.
• All passenger vessels engaged on regular routes shall, whilst within Turkish territorial waters, use fuel oil containing not more than 1.5% sulphur by mass.
• Turkish flagged vessels, when sailing within an Emission Control Area (ECA), shall use fuel oil containing not more than 1.5% sulphur by mass. However, notwithstanding this regulation, Members will be aware that the overriding priority is compliance with MARPOL Annex VI which currently requires all vessels sailing within an ECA to use fuel oil containing not more than 1.0% sulphur by mass regardless of flag.

Members who may be affected by the above are advised to ensure that their vessels comply with the new Turkish regulatory requirements by 1 January 2012.

Members requiring further guidance should contact the Loss Prevention department.