Turkish Straits Transit Agency Services

Bosphorus & Dardanelles Passage with ID Shipping Agency

Navigating through the Turkish Straits — the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles — is considered one of the most complex maritime operations in the global shipping industry. Strong currents, heavy traffic, sharp turns, and narrow channels make these passages exceptionally challenging.

As ID Shipping Agency, we offer 24/7 proactive and reliable transit agency services to ensure that your vessel’s passage through the Turkish Straits is safe, smooth, and fully compliant with local maritime regulations.

 Pilotage in Bosphorus and Dardanelles

While pilotage is not mandatory for transit vessels, it is strongly recommended due to the high navigational risks and traffic density in both straits. Appointing an experienced pilot significantly reduces the risk of collision or grounding.

However, if a vessel is calling at or departing from any port in the Sea of Marmara, including İstanbul, İzmit, Gemlik, Bandırma, or Tekirdağ, pilotage becomes mandatory for both the Bosphorus and Dardanelles transits under Turkish maritime regulations.

Pilotage Fee for Turkish Straits

Mandatory Escort Tug Services for Dangerous Cargo Vessels in the Bosphorus & Dardanelles

Vessels carrying dangerous cargo, including LPG carriers, chemical tankers, crude oil tankers, nuclear-powered ships, and other hazardous material vessels, are subject to mandatory escort tugboat services while transiting the Turkish Straits — the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles — as per Turkish maritime safety regulations.

Update: May 17, 2025

Our Turkish Straits Agency Services Include:

• 24/7 Transit Coordination & Pre-Arrival Planning
• Pilotage & Tugboat Arrangements
• VHF Communication & ETA Tracking
• Real-Time Monitoring of Vessel Progress
• Liaison with VTS (Vessel Traffic Services)
• Crew Change Arrangements at Istanbul or Çanakkale
• Bunker, Provision, and Technical Service Coordination if requested
• Documentation Handling in compliance with Turkish Strait regulations

Why Choose ID Shipping Agency?

• Decades of experience in Turkish Straits passage coordination
• Local expertise and strong communication with maritime authorities
• Operational presence in Istanbul, Dardanelles, and Marmara region ports
• Quick response, proactive problem-solving, and 24/7 availability

Whether your vessel is in ballast or laden, transiting or calling, our experienced team ensures that your Turkish Straits passage is handled with maximum safety, efficiency, and compliance.

• Bosphorus & Dardanelles Strait Services
• Bosphorus Shipping Agency Services
• Dardanelles Strait Shipping Services
• Istanbul Strait Shipping Agent
• Çanakkale Strait Transit Services
• Transit Passage Planning & Documentation
• VTS Coordination & Pilot/Tugboat Arrangements
• Full Crew Change Handling at Turkish Ports
• Immigration & Port Health Formalities
• Meet and Greet Service at Airports
• Hotel Accommodation Arrangements
• Medical Assistance for Crew Members
• Cash to Master (CTM) Delivery
• Fresh Water Supply & Provision Delivery
• Bunker & Lubricant Oil Supply Coordination
• Garbage, Sludge & Slop Disposal Services
• Delivery of Ship’s Spares, Stores & Transit Parts
• Spare Part Handling & Customs Clearance
• Motorboat Services for Offshore Access
• Car Rental & Crew Transfers
• Technical Supply Deliveries to Berth or Anchorage