Starting July 1, 2026, Turkey will increase transit fees for vessels passing through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits by 15%, bringing the rate to $6.7 per ton. The previous tariff had been set at $5.83 per ton since July 2025.
The move marks another step in Ankara’s ongoing revision of the fee structure for one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors. Prior to 2022, the transit fee had remained unchanged for decades at just $0.8 per ton.
The Bosphorus and Dardanelles serve as a critical link between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, handling a significant share of global maritime trade and energy shipments. Tens of thousands of vessels transit the waterways each year, making them among the busiest shipping routes in the world.
According to Turkish authorities, more than 40,000 vessels passed through the two straits in 2025. The average transit payment ranged from $15,000 to $30,000 per vessel, depending on tonnage and vessel specifications.
Revenue generated from the fee increase will be used to support maritime safety and emergency response operations. Funds will be allocated to the maintenance of rescue and medical services, vessel traffic management systems, and the cleanup and mitigation of maritime accidents and environmental incidents.
Turkish officials say the adjustment reflects the growing costs of maintaining safe navigation and modern infrastructure along the straits. The government argues that users of one of the world’s busiest maritime passages should contribute to the funding of services that ensure safe and efficient transit.
Industry analysts note that while the higher fees will increase operating costs for shipping companies, they are unlikely to significantly affect traffic volumes through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles, as alternative routes remain considerably longer and more expensive.
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