site.btaTurkiye Fines Foreign-Flagged Tanker for Air Pollution

Turkish authorities have fined a tanker sailing under the flag of Antigua and Barbuda 16.3 million Turkish lira (approximately EUR 360,000) for air pollution, according to TRT Haber.

The nearly 200-meter vessel was anchored in the Sea of Marmara near Istanbul and was inspected on March 29 last year after thick black smoke was observed coming from its chimney. The Turkish Coast Guard took photographs and samples, which were sent to the Ministry of Environment. Following analysis, the Environmental Agency issued the fine.

This enforcement is part of ongoing efforts under the Marmara Sea Action Plan to combat marine pollution, including "sea snot." Since 2021, Turkish authorities have shut down 268 facilities and fined 2,896 ships and businesses.