Ankara demands ships prove insurance coverage to pass through Turkish Straits

Türkiye has started demanding that oil tankers passing through the Istanbul and Canakkale Straits confirm that they have insurance after some international companies canceled the coverage of numerous vessels due to sanctions imposed on Russia over the war in Ukraine, according to Turkish officials.

Baring vital commercial importance as they connect the Black Sea with the rest of the world, the Turkish Straits became a major point of discussion with the eruption of the Russia-Ukraine war on Feb. 24.

The straits are among the world's most difficult waterways to traverse, as ships must deal with strong currents, sharp turns, and varying weather conditions. While the 1936 Montreux Convention guarantees freedom of navigation for merchant vessels, the passage is also regulated to uphold Türkiye's security.

Ensuring safe navigation, as well as protecting life, property, and the environment, in the Turkish Straits are considered Türkiye's red line.