Turkey has resumed allowing ships to transit its straits on their way to the Black Sea, following a period of unexplained delays for some vessels amid heightened security risks in the region. According to Bloomberg, these transit restrictions had initially targeted vessels bound for Russian and Ukrainian ports. The Directorate General of Coastal Safety directed such measures after an uptick in attacks against merchant shipping, including Turkish-owned or flagged vessels.
Crude oil tanker Aegean Dream entered the Dardanelles Strait on Sunday after waiting in the area since Thursday, according to ship tracking data. Container vessel Mehmet Kahveci A also passed through early Sunday, signaling its destination as Novorossiysk, Russia’s key oil and grain export hub.
During the recent period of restrictions, Turkey’s government became increasingly vocal about attacks against merchant shipping in the Black Sea. Bloomberg reported that Ukraine has agreed to help ensure safe passage for some non-Russian oil tankers, though no formal agreement had been signed at press time. The transport ministry did not comment on these measures or provide a reason for their implementation.
The restrictions drew concern from Ankara and other maritime stakeholders due to the potential impact on global trade, particularly as oil flows are already being disrupted by ongoing conflicts in Iran and reduced volumes through the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, the attacks have raised concerns over supplies from the Black Sea grain region, contributing to wheat prices reaching a two-year high.
Security Measures and Their Impact
The measures implemented by Turkey reflect broader efforts to address escalating security threats in the Black Sea. The intensity of attacks has led to calls for greater cooperation among relevant actors to ensure navigational safety. According to the Turkish Foreign Ministry, "we reiterate our call to all relevant actors, especially the warring parties, to urgently implement concrete measures to ensure navigational safety in the Black Sea." The ministry also warned that escalation would have multifaceted negative consequences, including for food security.