Members with ships fitted with scrubbers and transiting through the Turkish Straits are advised that based on the information received by the club’s local correspondent, and even though there is no formal limitation or ban on the discharge of scrubber wash-water, there are concerns that the environmental authorities in Turkey may fine the ship if the samples collected from the overboard discharge line is suspected to be a pollutant.

Based on the attached circular from Omur Marine, article 8 of the environment code describes the pollution prohibition as follows:

‘It is prohibited, to introduce into, store in, transport to or remove from the receptor area any discharge or waste in such a way as to inflict damage on the environment or in a way directly or indirectly in contradiction with the standards and methods specified in the applicable regulations, or to engage in similar activities.’

Although it is clearly mentioned in the above article that the residue or poured material must have an effect inflicting damage on the environment, the authorities widely interpret the term of pollutant. It is therefore recommended that all overboard discharge valves are shut and secured/sealed in closed position whilst the ships are in Turkish waters either at anchor or adrift, waiting for passage through the Straits.

Members are also recommended to refer to club’s previous update on marine pollution fines in Turkey.

Source: The Standard Club