The security level for Turkish-flagged ships in Lebanon has been raised to 3.

Since October 7, 2023, the Israeli army, which has turned Gaza into a bloodbath and killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, launched a ground operation into Lebanon the day before yesterday. As the developments have significantly raised tensions in the region, a striking statement came from the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.

Minister Uraloğlu announced that, in light of the current developments in Lebanon, they have raised the ISPS Code Security Level of Turkish-flagged ships that will be sailing in Lebanese ports and offshore to level 3 as of September 30, 2024, to ensure that Turkish-flagged ships can be prepared for possible security threats, take necessary precautions during their time in port, and be alerted at an early stage.

"SECURITY MEASURES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL"

Minister Uraloğlu stated that with the transition to security level 3, the ships and crew must comply with all instructions given by the authorized authorities, saying, "Security measures will be implemented at the highest level by the ship in cooperation with the port facility as part of the ship security plan."

Uraloğlu noted that the ship captain could increase security measures related to restricted areas on the ship, stating, "In this context, additional restricted areas may be designated where access is prohibited near a security incident or presumed security threat on the ship, searches of restricted areas may be conducted, and access to the entire ship may be restricted."

"MATERIALS CAN BE COMPLETELY REFUSED ENTRY TO THE SHIP"

Uraloğlu expressed that under security level 3, loading and unloading operations on the ship could be temporarily halted, saying, "Additionally, during the delivery of materials, provisions, and similar items to the ship, the materials will be searched more comprehensively, their acceptance may be restricted or postponed. If necessary, the entry of materials onto the ship may be completely refused."

Minister Uraloğlu stated that access to the ship could be limited to a single controlled entry point, granting entry only to those authorized by the authorities, directing personnel on the ship, and temporarily halting entries and exits to the ship, adding, "Additionally, procedures for abandoning the ship, relocating the ship from a risky area, and preparing the entire ship or specific areas for inspection may also be implemented."