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Change in tug law at Turkish ports could benefit the cruise lines millions of dollars

Change in tug law at Turkish ports could benefit the cruise lines millions of dollars
Turkish Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communication has announced an amendment to regulations on the compulsory use of tug boats for cruise ships calling in Turkish ports.

According to the amended rules, if a cruise vessel's bow and stern thruster systems are working at 'full capacity' and this is declared in writing to the harbour master, the cruise line is no longer obligated to request tug assistance for berthing.

This change could accrue to a cruise line savings of US$15m based on 2015 statistics, says Erkunt Oner, ceo of Tura Turizm.

The amended regulation text can be found on Tura Turizm's site.