A Russian oil tanker that halted traffic in the Bosphorus for several hours was successfully towed to a distant anchorage and later moved to a quay in Istanbul. The information comes from a spokesperson at the Coast Guard Headquarters, who confirmed the recovery of normal traffic flow after a lengthy disruption.
According to the Coast Guard, the vessel, identified as the Peria, was guided toward the Küçükçekmece pier in Istanbul as part of the salvage and traffic management efforts. The towage operation marked the end of a disruption that had stopped two-way passage through the strait for about 14 hours, allowing ships to resume movement gradually under tightened supervision and clearances.
Earlier reports indicated that the Liberian-flagged tanker Peria blocked two-way traffic in the Bosphorus, triggering a broader impact on maritime movements in the region. The incident drew attention to the operational challenges faced by ships navigating the Bosphorus, a critical waterway linking the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara and beyond.
The General Directorate of Maritime Affairs later explained that congestion at the Bosphorus entrance had been aggravated by insurers’ hesitancy to issue insurance letters for passage of oil tankers through the strait. As of December 1, any tanker unable to present a valid insurance certificate was barred from transiting the Bosphorus, a policy designed to reduce risk and ensure compliance with international maritime regulations. The change has had notable implications for ships seeking to enter or depart through this busy waterway.
In related maritime activity, a separate collision occurred in St. Petersburg involving two vessels, an event that underscored the ongoing fluctuations in regional sea traffic and the need for robust coordination among port authorities, insurers, and ship operators. While those details are being assessed, authorities continue to emphasize the importance of vessel readiness, insurance documentation, and adherence to routing rules that govern the Bosphorus corridor.
Officials remarked that safety protocols and traffic control measures in the Bosphorus are continually reviewed to manage heavy vessel traffic, weather conditions, and the diverse flags that pass through the strait. Salvage teams worked with port authorities to secure the tanker and maintain environmental safeguards while securing a safe passage for other vessels. The incident has prompted a renewed emphasis on contingency planning and the role of coast guards in maintaining maritime safety and efficiency across international waters that intersect with Turkey’s border and regulatory regime.
Experts note that the Bosphorus is one of the world’s most intricate chokepoints for oil and general cargo, where rapid responses and clear communication among international shipping interests are essential. The present situation demonstrates how quickly operational checkpoints, insurance requirements, and tow operations can influence voyage schedules, fuel consumption, and port calls for ships moving through this strategic channel. Observers will closely monitor whether further adjustments to insurance and clearance procedures will affect the pace of traffic through the Bosphorus in the coming weeks.
Ultimately, the swift towing of the Peria and the subsequent resumption of traffic illustrate both the resilience of regional maritime infrastructure and the ongoing importance of coordination between shipmasters, insurers, and enforcement agencies. The Bosphorus remains a critical artery for trade, and authorities reaffirm their commitment to maintaining safe, efficient passage while upholding the regulatory standards that govern international shipping. The situation is expected to be reviewed in subsequent briefings, with findings and any policy considerations shared through official channels and monitored by maritime industry stakeholders. [Citation: Coast Guard Headquarters]