The Turkish Shipowners' Association condemns recent attacks on Turkish vessels in international waters amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The Turkish Shipowners' Association (TAB) has issued a strong condemnation of the attacks on Turkish-owned commercial vessels in international waters, particularly in the Black Sea, amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
In its statement, TAB emphasized that recent attacks on Turkish-flagged and/or Turkish-owned vessels by both Ukraine and Russia have raised significant concerns. These incidents threaten the freedom of navigation and maritime trade, which are fundamental pillars of international maritime commerce.
The statement from the Turkish Shipowners' Association reads:
"We have been closely monitoring the attacks carried out by both Ukraine and Russia against Turkish-flagged and/or Turkish-owned commercial vessels in international waters, especially in the Black Sea, as well as in national ports and maritime jurisdictions. These incidents jeopardize the most fundamental and universal principle of international maritime trade."
The Turkish maritime trade fleet operates solely for economic and commercial purposes in the Black Sea, where peaceful navigation has historically prevailed, just as it does in all waters around the world. Our vessels serve the welfare of all nations as a vital link in the global supply chain.
It is absolutely unacceptable for our commercial vessels, which operate solely for economic purposes, to be drawn into any conflict or war and turned into a battlefield. This situation is clearly contrary to the universally accepted principle of "freedom of navigation at sea." Every nation is free to travel to and trade with another nation. In today’s interconnected world, this principle is more vital and relevant than ever.
The safety of the Turkish maritime trade fleet and the freedom of navigation are indispensable for the continuity of global trade.
In this context, the Turkish Shipowners' Association calls on all relevant parties to respect international law, keep our seafarers and vessels out of conflict zones, and ensure the safety of navigation in all seas, including the Black Sea.