The Bosporus, a important maritime passage, has witnessed a major rise in ships choosing maritime pilots to navigate difficult geographical circumstances, registering a notable 66.5% enhance.
According to the info from the General Directorate of Coastal Safety, 805,846 ships traversed the Bosporus between 2006 and the primary 9 months of 2023, ferrying a colossal 9.9 billion gross tons of cargo throughout this era.
In 2006, roughly 48.44% of ships sought pilot providers, which surged to 66.5% final yr. This substantial enhance, accounting for an 18% rise, was primarily attributed to the expansion in ship tonnage and measurement, considerably influencing the navigational complexities within the Bosporus.
During the height in 2007, 56,606 ships transported a complete of 484 million 867,696 gross tons of cargo through the Bosporus, with 26,685 ships using pilot providers.
On the opposite, 35,146 ships transported 541 million 444,690 gross tons of cargo, with 23,380 ships using pilots prior to now yr.
Between January and September this yr, 29,092 ships traversed the Bosporus, with 18,951 in search of pilot steering.
The cargo transported throughout this era amounted to 460.7 million gross tons.
Fees for pilot providers differ relying on the vessel’s measurement, weight and the space coated. The General Directorate of Coastal Safety collects service charges from ship house owners.
Captain Muhammer Arslantürk, Chairperson of the Turkish Pilots Association, emphasised their major deal with public security, highlighting the very important function they play in making certain safe maritime navigation throughout the Bosporus.
Arslantürk highlighted they’ve been safeguarding the protection of the Straits for practically 60 years, citing a pressure of over 350 actively working pilots inside their affiliation.
Pilotage within the Turkish Straits, Arslantürk defined, is categorized as “optional” and “compulsory.”
“Ships navigating to or from ports within Marmara are mandated to engage a maritime pilot when traversing the Turkish Straits. However, it’s optional for ships in transit. Yet, due to the quality service provided, most ships opt for a pilot. This service is extended upon the ship captain’s request,” he clarified.
He underscored that pilotage providers are rendered in perilous waters globally and particularly within the Turkish Straits, describing them because the ‘world’s arteries.’
The complexities of navigating these waters current dangers, however skilled pilots mitigate these challenges and help ships in safer maneuvering. “Pilots possess swift decision-making skills,” Arslantürk added.
Discussing the distinctive pure circumstances impacting maneuvering, Arslantürk emphasised the pilots’ deep experience and familiarity with the area’s dynamics.
Regarding security measures following accidents within the Bosporus, Arslantürk famous that tankers between 175-200 meters are escorted by tugboats, whereas bigger tankers are allowed passage solely throughout daylight.
He harassed the deployment of tugboats and rescue vessels at strategic factors within the Bosporus, making certain swift intervention in case of malfunctions or accidents and stopping vital losses or damages.
Source: www.dailysabah.com