In a significant development following the suspension of $7 billion in trade with Israel over the Gaza conflict, Turkish port authorities have initiated an informal requirement for shipping agents. Agents are now expected to provide written assurances that vessels have no affiliations with Israel and are not transporting military or hazardous cargo destined for the country.
According to two shipping sources, the harbor master’s office has verbally instructed port agents to submit these declarations. Notably, there has been no official circular issued to formalize this directive. The sources further indicated that this instruction applies to ports across Turkey.
The letters of assurance must state that the vessel’s owners, managers, and operators have no ties to Israel. Additionally, the letters should confirm that the vessels are not carrying certain types of cargo, including explosives, radioactive materials, or military equipment, en route to Israel.
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This move underscores Turkey’s ongoing efforts to distance itself from Israeli-linked maritime activities amid the ongoing conflict. The informal requirement reflects Ankara’s stance following its suspension of trade with Israel in response to the Gaza war.