Reference is made to the announcement made by The Ministry of Transportation and
Urbanization of Türkiye on 20 September 2024.
The Ministry of Transportation and Urbanization of Türkiye has issued and distributed an
additional letter on 07 October 2024 regarding the implementation of BWMS D-2 standards
wherein it is mainly stated that: -
- During the controls on board foreign flagged vessels, it was alleged that their vessels
have an exemption from D-2 standards and requested to continue their trade after requesting exemption letters from the flag states stating that their tanks are closed. (full
with permanent segregated ballast water not to be discharged)
As per the article no.3/2-f of the convention in force, the segregated ballast tanks which
are filled with permanent ballast water not to be discharged are exempted from the
convention.
Upon reviewing of the request to the authorities, in order to implement the subject item;
- a) The stability calculations showing that the vessel can load, discharge and sail without
using these tanks should be made by the Class Institutes or any institute authorized by
them.
- b) The maximum loading capacity of the vessel after considering the constant ballast water
should be redetermined by the Class Institutes or any institute authorized by them.
- c) A letter should be issued by flag state stating that the vessel can load, discharge and sail
safely.
- d) The subject closed tanks should be sealed considering that can be used in emergency situations, the seal numbers should be recorded in the records of flag states and should be presented in the relevant certificate or an approved document which to be shown during inspections.
In addition to above, the exemption letters without attributing the regulation’s article no: 3/2-f will not be regarded. The seal numbers on the subject tanks could be checked during the inspection of Harbor Masters.
The vessels which are not able to present the above required documents will not be allowed to Turkish ports.