91 million TL fine for 42 ships polluting the sea

Antalya Metropolitan Municipality intervenes instantly to vessels polluting the sea with the Electronic Ship Inspection System (EGDS) implemented to prevent ship-sourced marine pollution. Since the implementation of EGDS, a total of 91 million 766 thousand Turkish Lira administrative fines have been imposed on 42 ships polluting the sea, which are being used in environmental investments by the Metropolitan Municipality.
Antalya Metropolitan Municipality does not turn a blind eye to ships polluting the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean with the first and only ‘Electronic Ship Inspection System’ (EGDS) in Turkey. With the EGDS system launched last year, immediate intervention is made to sea vehicles polluting the seas within the responsibility area between Aksu Beşgöz Stream and Göynük Stream in the west.
Antalya Bay is monitored 24/7. With EGDS, Antalya Metropolitan Municipality has installed PTZ and thermal cameras at 22 points within its responsibility area. Within the system, 20 PTZ cameras with 40X optical zoom feature, 20 thermal cameras with automatic identification system, and a surface radar with a range of 90 nautical miles were installed at the Fishermen’s Harbor. Ships polluting the seas are instantly detected with cameras capable of capturing clear and close-up images from a distance of about 3 kilometers. Vessels identified as polluting the sea in Antalya Bay, monitored by cameras 24/7 from the EGDS center, are instantly detected.
42 ships were found to pollute the sea. Inspection vessels take samples from the location where the vessel found to pollute the sea is located. Based on the sample results, administrative sanctions are imposed on ships identified through analysis results and camera records as polluting the sea. With the EGDS put into operation on July 5, 2023, it was determined that 42 ships polluted the sea. As a result of the assessments, an administrative fine of 91 million 766 thousand Turkish Lira was imposed. The revenue obtained from penalties for ship-sourced marine pollution by the Metropolitan Municipality is also used in environmental projects. Thus, the Metropolitan Municipality prevents marine pollution and allocates resources to environmental projects.