Regulation Amending the Ports Regulation Published

The Regulation Amending the Ports Regulation (“Amended Regulation”), which introduces amendments to the procedures for anchorage of ships within the port administrative area, the rules governing passage under the Osmangazi Bridge, and the locations for pilot embarkation and disembarkation, was published in the Official Gazette dated 30.08.2025 and numbered 33001, within the framework of the Ports Regulation (“Regulation”) published in the Official Gazette dated 31.10.2012 and numbered 28453.

The regulations introduced under the Amended Regulation are summarized below for your information.

Anchorage Procedures within the Port Administrative Area Regulated

Under the Amended Regulation, vessels and maritime crafts may, without calling at any port and/or coastal facility within the port administrative area, anchor in the areas designated by the port authority without obtaining an anchorage order, in cases of:

- awaiting voyage instructions,

- procurement of spare parts and/or technicians due to a breakdown,

- seeking shelter due to adverse weather conditions,

- crew changes, and

- other excusable circumstances accepted by the port authority.

Such vessels and maritime crafts shall provide prior notice by radio to the port authority or, if available at the location of the vessel, to the Vessel Traffic Services Center or the pilotage organization.

Under the previous provisions introduced by the Regulation, it was sufficient for the notice to be given only to the port authority or the pilotage organization. However, under the Amended Regulation, it is also stipulated that, if available at the vessel’s location, notice shall be provided by radio to the Vessel Traffic Services Center.

The anchorage fees to be collected from such vessels shall be levied in accordance with the periods specified under the relevant legislation.

Principles for Passage under the Osmangazi Bridge Amended

Under the Amended Regulation, the height criteria applicable for passage beneath the Osmangazi Bridge have been updated.

Under the Regulation, vessels with a air draft of 60 meters or more were previously prohibited from passing, while vessels with a air draft between 56 and 60 meters were allowed to pass only under limited tug escort. Under the Amended Regulation, these thresholds have been revised. Accordingly:

- Passage of vessels with an air draft of 64 meters or more is now strictly prohibited, and

- The procedures and principles for the passage of vessels with an air draft between 60 and 64 meters shall be determined by the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.

Pilot Boarding and Disembarking Location of Kuşadası Port Authority Amended

Under the Amended Regulation, the pilot boarding and disembarking location of the Kuşadası Port Authority, as set out in Annex-1 of the Regulation, has been revised with new coordinates.

- Previous coordinates: 40° 51’ 12" N – 029° 15’ 00" E

- New coordinates: 37° 52' 33.24" N – 027° 13' 30" E

Effective Date

The provisions of the Amended Regulation, to be executed by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, entered into force on the date of its publication, 30.08.2025.