Türkiye to refuse entry to Israeli-linked vessels

VESSELS that want to call at Turkish ports will have to prove they have no links to Israel, Lloyd’s List understands.

According to a document seen by Lloyd’s List, shipping agents will have to confirm their vessel and its owner has no links to Israel and that they will not be discharging or loading cargo from or destined for Israel, before they are permitted entry into Turkish ports.

They will now be required to attach a SHIPMAN2009 form, a standardised shipping contract formalised by BIMCO and widely recognised around the world. One source told Lloyd’s List that the form has always been required, but that this was rarely enforced.

Lloyd’s List understands that this directive has not been formally issued by Ankara, but instead verbally communicated.

A spokesperson from the Turkish Ministry of Transport said there was no official statement on any restriction regarding Israeli-linked ships.

Citing an unnamed source, Reuters reported that vessels would have to provide written assurances that the vessel, its owners and managers have no ties to Israel, and that explosives or military equipment were not board en route to Israel. Lloyd’s List has since corroborated this with multiple sources.

Türkiye halted all trade with Israel in May 2024, including of cement and steel, of which Türkiye is a major provider to Israel.

This latest directive has been in force since August 20.