The long-awaited Ship Agencies Regulation in Türkiye's maritime sector has been published in the Official Gazette dated May 14, 2026 and entered into force. The regulation, prepared by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, introduces fundamental changes in areas ranging from operational procedures of ship agencies to personnel qualifications. The 2012 regulation has been fully repealed.
Under the new system, ship agencies operating in Türkiye are classified into A, B, and C categories. Operational areas, service scope, and authority limits have been redefined. Stricter criteria will apply for agencies providing services in the Turkish Straits. The regulation mandates that agencies must meet specific capital requirements to operate.
Financial qualification conditions are among the most notable aspects of the regulation. Agencies will not be able to obtain licenses unless they exceed certain capital thresholds. Training, examination, and certification processes for personnel in the sector have also been restructured. Authority certificates will be renewed at specified intervals, and inspections will be conducted through a digital system.
The ministry aims to create a more institutionalized and auditable structure in the maritime sector with the new framework. The goal is to enhance compliance with international maritime standards and improve service quality. While some provisions of the regulation took effect immediately, other clauses will be implemented three months later.
Maritime sector representatives note that the regulation will improve transparency and competitive conditions in the industry. The new regulation is regarded as a significant step in Türkiye's maritime logistics alignment with international standards.
Key Takeaways:
1. The new Ship Agencies Regulation was published in the Official Gazette on May 14, 2026 and entered into force, repealing the 2012 regulation.
2. Ship agencies are classified into A, B, and C categories; stricter criteria apply for agencies operating in the Turkish Straits.
3. Agencies must meet specific capital requirements, with financial qualification conditions clarified.
4. Personnel training, examination, and certification processes have been restructured, with authority certificates renewed at specified intervals.
5. Inspections will be conducted via digital systems, aiming to create an institutionalized and auditable sector structure.
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