TURKEY IMPOSES RESTRICTIONS ON ISRAEL-AFFILIATED VESSELS
Source: This document has been approved for distribution by Ambrey Analytics Ltd.
EVENTS
- Ambrey has recorded several instances in which Israeli-affiliated vessels or vessels carrying “banned cargo” destined for Israel have been denied entry to Turkish ports.
- On 22 August, Ambrey confirmed with a trusted port agent that Turkish Port Authorities had verbally communicated several restrictions; these were listed by the agents.
- On 25 August, still before the release of written Turkish guidance, a container ship was denied entry to Mersin. The vessel, enroute from Barcelona, Spain, was only 17NM from Mersin when she changed her destination to Ashdod. The vessel was owned by an Israeli company.
- The same day, the owner/operator stated that all vessels owned, managed, or operated by Israel would not be permitted entry to Turkish ports.
- Documentation has since been issued, and a further container ship vessel, regularly scheduled to call Israel and Turkey, was denied entry.
CONTEXT
Turkish authorities have explained their actions as a foreign policy decision. This declaration followed an extraordinary session of the Turkish Parliament convened to address the escalating conflict in Gaza, during which the Foreign Minister announced sweeping measures against Israel. The measures are part of a much broader detachment of political and economic ties. The Turkish Parliament formally ordered a “total severance of trade and political relations with Israel”. In the maritime domain, the embargo prohibits all Israeli-flagged vessels and those affiliated with Israel from accessing Turkish maritime facilities, including ports, shipyards, and support services. Additionally, vessels carrying specific categories of cargo bound for Israel are banned from transhipment or handling during port calls…