Steadfast Commitment to Maritime Safety: 4,579 Vessels Inspected in Türkiye in 2024Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, has unveiled noteworthy statistics regarding maritime inspections conducted across the nation throughout 2024. These inspections, meticulously aligned with international standards, underscore Türkiye’s unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety of life, property, and the marine environment.
Comprehensive Oversight Across 71 Port Authorities
According to Minister Uraloğlu, 4,579 vessels were subjected to rigorous inspections by 71 port authorities nationwide. Among these, 2,977 were foreign-flagged vessels, 1,191 were Turkish-flagged vessels engaged in international voyages, and 411 were Turkish-flagged vessels operating domestically. Each inspection meticulously assessed the vessels’ compliance with technical and operational standards."Our inspections are not merely procedural exercises; they are integral to safeguarding the reputation of Turkish vessels within the international maritime community," remarked Uraloğlu.
Stringent Monitoring of Foreign-Flagged Vessels
Under the auspices of the Mediterranean and Black Sea Memoranda of Understanding, 2,977 foreign-flagged vessels underwent
Port State Control (PSC) inspections in 2024. Of these, 141 vessels were detained due to deficiencies, with corrective measures promptly implemented to ensure adherence to international maritime standards.
The Success Story of Turkish-Flagged Vessels
Turkish-flagged vessels continue to garner acclaim for their exemplary performance in international inspections. Since 2008, Türkiye has maintained its position on the Paris MoU White List and, in 2023, was removed from the United States Coast Guard’s Target Flag List."These achievements are tangible evidence of the reliability and prestige of Turkish-flagged vessels on the global stage," Uraloğlu stated.
Focused Campaigns for Domestic Operations
In 2024, 411 Turkish-flagged vessels operating domestically were subjected to unscheduled inspections. These campaigns were strategically designed to preserve the dynamic nature of Türkiye’s maritime trade while prioritizing environmental protection, technical compliance, and operational safety.
Risk-Based Inspection Systems
Minister Uraloğlu emphasized the efficacy of risk-based inspection systems, which have been pivotal in preventing the detention of Turkish-flagged vessels at foreign ports. These systems, bolstered by monthly inspection checklists completed by shipmasters, enhance the overall compliance and performance of Turkish vessels.
Adherence to International Standards
Türkiye’s commitment to international maritime standards remains resolute. In September 2024, the country successfully completed the IMO Member State Audit, further solidifying its stature as a maritime nation adhering to the highest regulatory benchmarks."Türkiye is steadfast in its pursuit of alignment with international maritime norms, a journey that not only fortifies safety but also elevates the global standing of Turkish-flagged vessels," Uraloğlu declared.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Minister Uraloğlu reiterated the critical role of inspections in enhancing the performance of Türkiye’s maritime fleet. "Our goal for 2025 is to further refine our inspection processes, positioning Türkiye as a leader in global maritime standards," he affirmed.Türkiye’s maritime sector continues its resolute march towards greater achievements and unyielding safety measures. The outcomes of 2024 serve as a testament to these efforts, marking another chapter in the country’s distinguished maritime narrative.
