Türkiye hikes straits transit fees by 6.3 times
Bosphorus strait in Istanbul, Türkiye (THY Blog)
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu has announced a fee increase for vessels passing through Turkish straits without stopping. Effective July 1, the fees will rise to $5.07 per ton based on the Gold Franc value. A vessel with a net tonnage of 10,000 will now pay $20,370.
Minister Uraloglu detailed that this update will significantly increase the fees compared to pre-2022 levels, multiplying them by 6.3 times. He emphasized that this increase will bolster foreign currency inflows into the national treasury.
Historical fee adjustments and plans
Recalling that fees for passing through the straits had remained unchanged for 39 years until the first adjustment on Oct. 7, 2022, Uraloglu noted that the new fees will be implemented in coordination with the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs and other relevant institutions. This latest update is part of an annual review process established by a presidential decision.
Fees regulated under Montreux Convention
The updated fee of $5.07 per ton from July 1, 2024, reflects a series of increases from $0.8 in 1983 to $4.08 in 2022 and $4.42 in 2023.
Uraloglu reiterated that these fees are regulated under the Montreux Convention Regarding the Regime of the Straits, which governs the fees for health inspections, lighthouse services and rescue operations.
Significant revenue increase
Explaining the implications of the fee adjustments, Uraloglu illustrated that a vessel with a net tonnage of 10,000, which paid $3,240 for these services before 2022, will now pay $20,370 starting from July 1, 2024.
This increase is expected to enhance the safety, security and environmental protection of one of the world’s most critical narrow waterways, supported by continuous infrastructure and traffic monitoring system improvements.
The minister concluded by affirming the government’s commitment to updating these fees annually to maintain high standards of maritime safety and environmental protection in the Turkish Straits.
