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Dangerous Cargo Transits

Special Regulations for LNG, LPG, Nuclear-Powered, and IMDG Class 7 Vessels.

Transits of Vessels Carrying Dangerous Cargo

Strait Safety • Special Regulations • Mandatory Pilotage

1. LNG Vessels

Transit Conditions

  • •Transits through the straits are conducted during daylight hours and always with a pilot on board.
  • •During an LNG transit, the opposite direction of the strait is closed, except for the exceptional cases listed below.

Tugboat Requirements

Transits are performed with an appropriate number of tugboats:

  • •Minimum 150 tons total bollard pull
  • •Each tugboat: ≥ 60 tons bollard pull
  • * Tug numbers and total bollard pull may be increased depending on weather and sea conditions.

Vessels Allowed to Transit Opposite Direction (Controlled)

Istanbul Strait
  • ✔ Passenger vessels only
Dardanelles (Çanakkale) Strait
  • ✔ Passenger vessels
  • ✔ Livestock carriers
  • ✔ Ro-Ro or container vessels not carrying IMDG Class 1 cargo

2. LPG Vessels

Vessels up to 150m LOA

✔ May transit with a pilot

Vessels 150m and above

  • ✔ Daylight transit
  • ✔ Pilot on board
  • ✔ Tug escort required

LPG Vessels Carrying Ammonia (150–200 m)

Must transit the Dardanelles Strait at night with pilot and tugboat escort.

Tug Requirements (By Length)

150 – 200 m
Minimum 60 tons total bollard pull
Appropriate number of tugs
Over 200 m
Minimum 90 tons total bollard pull
Appropriate number of tugs

3. Nuclear-Powered Vessels & IMDG Class 7 Cargo

Transits occur during daytime with pilot assistance, as scheduled by TBGTH Centers.

≤ 100 m vessels
45 tons
MINIMUM TOTAL PULL
100 – 200 m vessels
60 tons
MINIMUM TOTAL PULL
≥ 200 m vessels
90 tons
MINIMUM + ESCORT
with appropriate tug escort