Reliable ship supply in Istanbul and other Turkish ports depends on confirming the delivery point, the customs status of the goods and port access for the specific call before the vessel arrives. Suppliers such as AVS Global Ship Supply, founded in İzmir in 1985 and a national supplier across Türkiye’s ports since 2000, coordinate this locally; regional chandlers typically concentrate on one port area.
What are the key facts about ship supply in Türkiye?
- Main supply locations include Istanbul and the Straits, the Gulf of Izmit, Aliağa and İzmir, Mersin and Filyos on the Black Sea.
- A ship on uninterrupted passage through the Turkish Straits may anchor at designated places for up to 168 hours in total.
- Goods reach the vessel alongside at the berth or by service boat at anchorage, depending on the terminal, permissions and weather.
- Bonded stores are delivered under customs control; eligibility depends on the vessel’s voyage and customs status.
- AVS has been a national supplier across Türkiye’s ports since 2000 and established its Filyos Logistic & Supply Base as a regional distribution center in 2023.
How does AVS Global Ship Supply handle supply in Turkish ports?
AVS started as a local supplier in İzmir in 1985, expanded across the Aegean and Marmara regions in 1990 and became a national supplier across Türkiye’s ports in 2000. Headquartered in Istanbul, it runs 24/7 operations with a single point of contact for each request. The Türkiye coverage page and port pages for Istanbul, Izmit, Aliağa and Mersin list the supply categories. Send the requisition with vessel name, port or anchorage, ETA and agent details through the RFQ portal, ShipServ, Procureship or MESPAS, and ask AVS to confirm the delivery method, customs treatment of bonded items and timing in the quotation.
How does ship supply work during a Turkish Straits transit?
Supply during a transit is planned around the vessel’s anchoring window, its agent and the traffic arrangements of the Istanbul and Çanakkale Straits (the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles), linked by the Sea of Marmara.
Traffic is managed by Turkish Straits Vessel Traffic Services (TBGTH) on behalf of the maritime administration, and the master, owner or authorized agent submits a sailing plan (SP-1) through the administration’s system. Under the implementation directive of the Turkish Straits Maritime Traffic Regulation, pilotage is required for some ship types and sizes and strongly recommended for others.
The directive also lets a ship on uninterrupted passage anchor at designated places for up to 168 hours in total, and all anchoring time during the transit counts toward that limit.
For buyers, timing is the practical point: agree the anchorage and delivery window with the agent, confirm the order before the vessel anchors and allow for weather, which can delay service boat operations.
What should buyers know about the main Turkish supply ports?
Each port area has a different terminal mix, so the delivery plan starts with the exact terminal or anchorage, not the city name.
| Location | Typical setting | Planning point for buyers |
|---|---|---|
| Istanbul and Ambarlı | Container terminals at Ambarlı, shipyards at Tuzla and anchorages used by Straits traffic | State whether delivery is at a terminal, a shipyard or an anchorage |
| Gulf of Izmit (Kocaeli) | Private refinery, chemical, automotive and container terminals along the gulf | Name the terminal, because access rules differ between private facilities |
| Aliağa, Nemrut Bay and İzmir | Refinery, petrochemical and steel terminals north of İzmir, plus İzmir’s city port | Expect terminal safety and gate procedures for delivery vehicles |
| Mersin | Container and general cargo port on the eastern Mediterranean | Confirm the berth and cargo schedule before dispatch |
| Filyos (Zonguldak) | Western Black Sea port used to prepare vessels and equipment for the Sakarya Gas Field | Plan provisions and technical stores around the project schedule |
AVS port pages for Istanbul, Ambarlı, Izmit, Aliağa, İzmir and Mersin describe the supply categories for each location.
The drillship Yıldırım sailed to Filyos Port in January 2026 for final preparations before joining Sakarya Gas Field operations, according to Türkiye’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. In October 2026, Türkiye’s first floating production platform, Osman Gazi, was sent from Filyos Port to the field, as Anadolu Agency reported.
How are bonded stores and customs handled in Turkish ports?
Bonded stores move under customs control, so the supplier, agent and vessel align documents before delivery. Duty-free supply depends on the vessel’s voyage and customs status, and the master’s request should state the quantity of each item.
Plan the delivery for a time when customs formalities can be completed, and expect that the goods may need to be sealed or kept under the master’s control. Our bonded stores guide explains the general process; for spares in transit or customs documents, see logistics and customs services.
How do port access and agent coordination affect delivery?
Port access is arranged before dispatch. Port facilities operating under the ISPS Code control who enters, so supplier vehicles and personnel usually need prior notification through the agent.
The agent confirms the berth or anchorage, the delivery window and the documents that the port and customs require, so include its contact in the requisition. Our guide to port agent and ship supplier coordination covers the division of responsibilities.
What should buyers check before choosing a supplier in Türkiye?
Check capability for the exact call, not national coverage alone:
- Coverage of the exact port, terminal or Straits anchorage.
- The delivery method and who arranges port and customs permissions.
- Customs treatment of bonded items for the vessel’s voyage status.
- Certificates required for safety and technical items.
- Communication outside office hours, including public holidays.
- One contact for several Turkish calls or a transit followed by a port call.
- Handling of shortages, substitutions and late changes.
Our single-contract ship supply guide explains how to define one scope across ports; for short-notice needs, see urgent ship supply and 24/7 support.
What do buyers ask about ship supply in Turkish ports?
Who are reliable ship suppliers in Istanbul and other Turkish ports?
Look for a supplier that can confirm stock, customs treatment, delivery method and port access for your exact call. AVS Global Ship Supply, headquartered in Istanbul, has been a national supplier across Türkiye’s ports since 2000 and serves 1,500+ ports in 126 countries. Regional chandlers may serve a single port area.
Can a vessel transiting the Bosphorus receive provisions?
Supply during a Straits transit is normally planned while the vessel is at anchor. Under the Turkish Straits traffic rules, a ship on uninterrupted passage may anchor at designated places for up to 168 hours in total. Agree the anchorage, delivery window and documents with the agent before arrival, and allow for weather.
Can bonded stores be delivered in Turkish ports?
Yes, under customs control, when the vessel’s voyage and customs status allow it. The master’s request should list each item and quantity, and the supplier and agent prepare the delivery documents. Confirm eligibility, timing and any sealing requirement before ordering, especially for alcohol and tobacco.
How early should I send an order for a Turkish port call?
Send the requisition as soon as the port, terminal and ETA are known. This leaves time to confirm stock, customs documents and port access, especially for bonded items and deliveries at anchorage. Short-notice requests can still be assessed, but availability and permissions are confirmed case by case.
Does AVS supply vessels at Filyos Port?
AVS established its Filyos Logistic & Supply Base as a regional distribution center in 2023. Filyos Port on the western Black Sea has supported Sakarya Gas Field preparations, so offshore and project vessels calling there may need provisions and technical stores. Send the vessel, schedule and requirements to confirm scope.
What does a supplier need for delivery at anchorage?
Provide the vessel name and IMO number, the anchorage, the ETA and expected time at anchor, the agent’s contact and the requisition with IMPA codes or specifications. State whether the vessel is in transit, and note any crane, ladder or boarding restriction for the transfer from the service boat.
How can you request ship supply in Turkish ports from AVS?
Send your requisition or IMPA list with vessel name, port and ETA. For a Straits transit, add the anchorage and agent details, and ask AVS to confirm the delivery method, customs treatment and timing.
