Port Operations
Turkish Straits Transit
Bosphorus and Dardanelles attendance without surprises
SP-1 filing, pilot and escort arrangements, traffic scheme monitoring and continuous position reporting through both straits.
- SP-1 and SP-2 reporting to VTS
- Pilotage and escort towage arrangement
- Suspension and traffic scheme monitoring
- Position reporting at agreed intervals
- Advice on dangerous cargo and draft restrictions
- Transit disbursement account with dues at cost
The Turkish Straits carry heavy traffic through narrow, current-swept water under a traffic separation scheme with its own rules. A transit that is filed correctly and monitored properly is uneventful. One that is not can cost a tide, a berth or a laycan.
Filing
We prepare and submit the SP-1 report with the vessel's particulars, cargo, defects and ETA, and confirm whether pilotage or escort towage will be required or recommended given length, draft, cargo and manoeuvring characteristics.
During the passage
We monitor the traffic scheme, suspension notices and weather, and keep the master and your office informed of expected delays before they become actual ones. Position reports go out at agreed intervals.
After transit
Confirmation of passage, dues and any pilotage or escort invoices, presented in a transit disbursement account.
What the service covers
SP-1 filing
Pre-arrival report prepared from the ship's particulars and submitted to VTS.
Pilotage
Booking and confirming pilots for vessels where pilotage is required or advisable.
Escort towage
Arranging escort tugs for tankers and vessels carrying dangerous cargo.
Traffic monitoring
Watching suspensions, one-way traffic and weather closures that affect your ETA.
Position reporting
Written updates on entry, passage and exit for both straits.
Cash and supply calls
Cash to master, provisions and spares delivered at anchorage during transit stops.
How it runs
- 01
Particulars
Ship's particulars, cargo and defects reviewed against transit requirements.
On nomination
- 02
SP-1 filing
Report submitted to VTS with ETA at the strait entrance.
Within 2 hours
- 03
Passage
Traffic, suspension and weather monitored; position reports issued.
During transit
- 04
Account
Confirmation of passage and transit disbursement account.
Within 3 days
Operational note
Transit rules, pilotage recommendations and suspension practice are set by the Turkish authorities and change. We confirm the current position for your vessel's dimensions and cargo rather than quoting from memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
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