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 Claims Emergency

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+44 203 829 5858

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+65 8683 3190

The claims response service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and provides immediate global assistance to all of our Members.

Calling the emergency contact number provides a quick and effective way to speak directly to a duty Shipowners’ claims handler in the event of an incident or casualty involving an entered vessel.

During office hours the emergency number will redirect to the relevant corresponding office switchboard.

Alternatively, Members can request assistance from our network of correspondents located around the world.

Correspondents

Emergency Contact

13 Jan 2026

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Members are advised that the pollution fines in Turkish waters have risen by 25.49% compared to the fine levels applied in 2025. The inflation adjustment rate was announced by the Directorate of Revenue Administration under the Ministry of Treasury and Finance in the Official Gazette, dated 27 November 2025.

With effect from 1 January 2026, the updated amounts are as follows:

Category A – pollution from tankers discharging petroleum products and derivatives:

  • Up to 1,000 (inclusive) Gross Tons: 5,752.33 Turkish lira per ton.
  • Between 1,000 – 5,000 (inclusive) Gross Tons: an additional 1,438.13 Turkish lira per ton.
  • Over 5,000 Gross Tons: an additional 143.75 Turkish lira per ton.

Category B – pollution from dirty ballast discharged by tankers:

  • Up to 1,000 (inclusive) Gross Tons: 1,048.03 Turkish lira per ton.
  • Between 1,000 – 5,000 (inclusive) Gross Tons: an additional 209.08 Turkish lira per ton.
  • Over 5,000 Gross Tons: an additional 33.18 Turkish lira per ton.

Category C – pollution from ships/vessels and other sea vehicles that release petroleum products, petroleum derivatives and other oil waste (bilge, oil mud, freight mud, fuel oil, oil waste, dirty ballast):

  • Up to 1,000 (inclusive) Gross Tons: 2,876.15 Turkish lira per ton.
  • Between 1,000 – 5,000 (inclusive) Gross Tons: an additional 575.25 Turkish lira per ton.
  • Over 5,000 Gross Tons: an additional 143.75 Turkish lira per ton.

Category D – pollution from garbage and sewage (domestic wastewater/detergent water/foam/scrubber wash water or similar wash water and solid wastes) discharged by ships/vessels and other sea vehicles:

  • Up to 18 (inclusive) Gross Tons: 31,898.30 TL.
  • Up to 18 - 50 (inclusive) Gross Tons: 63,802.88 Turkish lira.
  • Up to 50 - 100 (inclusive) Gross Tons: 127,605.76 Turkish lira.
  • Up to 100 - 150 (inclusive) Gross Tons: 191,411.15 Turkish lira.
  • Up to 150 - 1000 (inclusive) Gross Tons: 1,438.13Turkish lira per ton.
  • Between 1,000 – 5,000 (inclusive) Gross Tons: an additional 287.63 Turkish lira per ton.
  •  Over 5,000 Gross Tons: an additional 33.18 Turkish lira per ton.

Bunker sulphur content related fines – relating to vessels using fuels with sulphur content beyond the limits allowed by the IMO regulations and Turkish law:

  • Up to 1,000 (inclusive) Gross Tons: 1,276.08 Turkish lira per ton.
  • Up to 1,000 – 5,000 (inclusive) Gross Tons: an additional 159.50 Turkish lira per ton.
  • Over 5,000 Gross Tons: an additional 31.91 Turkish lira per ton.

Guidance

The level of each fine is calculated according to the gross tonnage of the liable vessel and is irrespective of the amount of pollution. The amounts stated above apply when the fine is issued against ‘real persons’ (e.g., the Master), but only applies when the authorities are unable to identify the owners of the vessel or the vessel is indeed owned by a private individual. In most cases, the level of the fine will be trebled as the fine is issued directly against the ‘institution, organisation or business’ that owns the vessel.

Fines are reduced by 25% if paid within 30 days of being issued. The fines may also be appealed during this period, though the prospects of success in appeal proceedings are low.

Points to note

Fine amounts will be doubled if another offence is committed by the same vessel and trebled for further offences committed thereafter within three years of the first offence.

  • If a vessel disposes of any hazardous waste or substances, fine amounts will be 10 times those applicable under Category A - pollution from tankers such as petroleum products.
  • Fine amounts will be doubled if the pollution occurs in a Special Environment Protection Zone. The zone covers the Marmara Region and Straits. Please refer to the Supplemental update to pollution fines 2022 for the complete list of ‘Special Protection Areas’.
  • If a vessel clears the pollution by its own means, the fine will be reduced to one-third of the applicable amount.

Practical tips for avoiding a fine

  • The crew should follow the on board procedures carefully, especially with regards to washing, checking of valves, and remaining vigilant to any problems when undertaking de-ballasting operations. As always, it is crucial to ensure the Oil, Ballast Water and Garbage Record Books are up to date and in order. It is also recommended to film any bunkering, oil supply, sludge/bilge removal operations (at least during the connection and disconnection of the apparatus) to rebut any allegations that may be made against the vessel.
  • If Members regularly call at Turkish ports, it is advised to carry out necessary modifications to allocate convenient tanks to collect cargo hold wash water, sewage, galley and grey water.
  • Members should take prompt action to notify the authorities and the Club if a pollution incident occurs.

What to do when pollution occurs

Members can minimise exposure by acting promptly through these steps:

1.    Informing the Club immediately;

2.    Collecting and storing any relevant evidence;

3.    Notifying the relevant authorities and cooperating with their investigations;

4.    Taking immediate steps to stop the source of pollution and to clean up the pollutant; and

5.     Appointing a clean-up contractor.

Promptness and cooperation with the authorities are of paramount importance, a shipowner may only be liable for one-third of the total fine if they arrange and assist with the clean-up operation. Failure to act swiftly can also result in elevated fines being imposed.

For further guidance, please contact the Club’s local correspondents or the Claims Department.

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