Web alert: Turkish Pollution Fines increase in 2015

Environmental law no. 2872 decree (2015/1) has increased the tariffs for Turkish pollution fines by 10.11%. This is slightly higher than the increase of 3.93% in 2014. The new tariffs will be applicable to pollution incidents from 1 January 2015 until 31 December 2015 and are listed below. 
 
I- Petrol and Petroleum products discharged to sea by tankers:

• Up to 1,000 (inclusive) gross tons:  Per Ton* - 77.46 TL 
• Between 1,000 and 5,000 (inclusive) gross tons: Per Ton* - 19.32 TL 
• Over 5,000 gross tons: Per Ton* - 1.86 TL

II- Dirty ballast discharged to sea by tankers:

• Up to 1,000 (inclusive) gross tons: Per Ton* - 58.08 TL
• Between 1,000 and 5,000 (inclusive) gross tons: Per Ton* - 11.58 TL
• Over 5,000 gross tons:  Per Ton* - 1.86 TL

III- Petrol/Petroleum products and dirty ballast discharged to sea by vessels or any other sea vehicles:

• Up to 1,000 (inclusive) gross tons:  Per Ton* - 38.71 TL
• Between 1,000 and 5,000 (inclusive) gross tons: Per Ton* - 7.71 TL
• Over 5,000 gross tons: Per Ton* - 1.86 TL

IV- Garbage and sewage discharged to sea by vessels and any other sea vehicles:

• Up to 1,000 (inclusive) gross tons: Per Ton* - 19.32 TL       
• Between 1,000 and 5,000 (inclusive) gross tons: Per Ton* - 3.82 TL
• Over 5,000 gross tons: Per Ton* - 0.73 TL
   

The same law also stipulates that for repeat offenders within a three year time period, the fines may be increased. Fines will be doubled for the first repeat offense during that time and tripled for a second repeat offence or more.
 
If a dangerous substance is discharged, fines may be increased tenfold and will be calculated using the Petrol and Petroleum Products fines tariff.
 
Members should also note that if the fine is paid immediately (before the vessel sails or within thirty days of the fine being issued), a 25% reduction may be applied. 
 
We thank Vitsan Mumessillik ve Musavirlik A.S. for the above information.

Category: Pollution