Turkey highlights uninsured vessels' risks at IMO, advocating for enhanced maritime safety and environmental protection.
TURKEY HAS BROUGHT THE MARITIME INSURANCE RISK TO THE WORLD AGENDA
The General Directorate of Maritime Affairs of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Turkey has brought the issue of uninsured vessels, one of the biggest risks threatening maritime safety and environmental security, to the international platform. The statement prepared for the 113th Session of the International Maritime Organization's Legal Committee, which will take place from April 13-17, 2026, was officially submitted on behalf of our country. This study, titled 'Responsibilities of Insurers and Verification of Insurance Policies,' aims to raise safety standards in the maritime sector.
LESSONS FROM THE AMNAH ACCIDENT SHED LIGHT ON GLOBAL LEGISLATION
In the preparation process of the aforementioned document, lessons learned from the AMNAH accident that occurred within the administrative boundaries of the Ambarlı Regional Port Authority at the end of 2024 were taken into account. Shaped by the data obtained after this accident, the study highlights the vital importance of the existence, validity, and verification of the insurances that vessels are required to carry under international legislation, bringing this matter to the attention of member states. This initiative aims to prevent potential grievances that may arise after maritime accidents.
INTERNATIONAL AWARENESS IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE SAFETY OF COASTAL STATES
Due to the borderless nature of maritime trade, vessels without insurance or with inadequate coverage pose a significant risk not only to their flag states but also to the coastal states they visit. The evaluation conducted by the General Directorate emphasizes the need for a unified stance against the environmental and financial risks that this situation may create. Turkey aims to set an example for the international system by introducing its new insurance application developed for vessels over 300 GT that call at Turkish ports on this platform.
DIGITAL SHARING PROPOSAL FOR TRANSPARENCY
One of the most striking points of the statement is the emphasis on transparency and ease of oversight. Turkey has opened the discussion on sharing the accepted lists of insurers through the Global Integrated Maritime Information System. With this proposal, it is expected that a global standard will be established for the real-time and reliable verification of insurance policies, ensuring maritime safety and enabling the swift management of compensation processes in potential marine pollution incidents.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
