Ballast Water Fines – Turkey

The level of fines in respect of the discharge of oily water/dirty ballast water in Turkish waters has been reduced by eighty per cent. The decision to revise the level of financial penalties was taken by the Turkish environment ministry following an interim ruling by the Court of Administrative Appeal in Turkey that the method of calculating fines introduced earlier this year was incorrect. Also in Turkey, a new Maritime and Admiralty Court (IMAC) has been established in Istanbul. The Court will be competent to hear all disputes involving admiralty and maritime matters, including collision, grounding, salvage, cargo claims, charter party disputes, sale and purchase agreements, mortgages and liens. IMAC will have jurisdiction over claims where the defendant is resident in the Istanbul district or when the dispute has arisen within the area covered by the Court, including the Port of Istanbul, Istanbul roads and anchorage area, Bosphorus Strait, and the dedicated shipbuilding area Tuzla. All disputes currently in the commercial courts of Istanbul are to be transferred to IMAC.

(Ulgener Law Office, Istanbul)