A Panama-flagged tanker faces a record 17 million TL fine for discharging polluted ballast water into the Sea of Marmara near Yalova.
An important development has occurred in the inspections conducted against environmental pollution in Yalova. It has been determined that a Panama-flagged chemical tanker discharged contaminated ballast water into the Sea of Marmara, leading to a record fine imposed on the vessel.
The Panama-flagged chemical tanker named 'Narı Strength,' which completed its maintenance and repair process in the Yalova Shipyards Region, was caught red-handed while discharging contaminated ballast water into the sea as it anchored off the coast of Yalova. The pollution was confirmed through images recorded by concerned citizens with their mobile phone cameras and inspections carried out by authorities.
17 Million TL Administrative Fine
As a result of the investigations conducted by the Yalova Governorship and relevant environmental units, an administrative fine of 16 million 989 thousand 120 TL (approximately 17 million TL) was imposed on the vessel in accordance with the Environmental Law No. 2872.
Judicial Investigation Initiated
The issue did not remain limited to a monetary fine. A judicial investigation was initiated against the ship's responsible parties for the crime of 'deliberately polluting the environment' under Article 181 of the Turkish Penal Code.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
