Turkey has begun restricting the passage of commercial vessels into the region following an increase in attacks on ships in the Black Sea.
“Bloomberg” reports that, according to officials familiar with the matter, this is due to concerns within the Turkish government regarding the rise in attacks on vessels belonging to or associated with Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea.
According to the information, the General Directorate of Maritime Safety has stated that permits for passage through the straits are currently not being granted to several ships heading to the port of Novorossiysk, one of Russia’s main oil and grain export hubs. Some applications require more time for further review.
Thus, it is reported that Turkey is tightening control over commercial shipping from the Dardanelles Strait to the Black Sea.
No official statement has been issued regarding how long the restrictions will last or whether they will apply to all commercial vessels or only to specific routes.