Assessing the Impact of Ship-Sourced Marine Pollution on Filyos Port

Abstract

In 2021, Turkiye launched the Filyos Valley Project, a strategic initiative with the potential to serve as both a central hub for the transfer of Central Asian oil to the West and as a logistical bridge between China and Europe. Located near the city of Zonguldak in northern Turkiye, this project encompasses a range of logistical components, including the extensive and high-capacity Filyos Port, which is the third-largest port in the country. The port is situated in close proximity to the Sakarya gas field in the Western Black Sea, Turkiye's largest natural gas production area, and currently serves as a base for natural gas drilling ships and their support vessels. Filyos Port plays a crucial role in Turkiye's energy security due to its strategic location near the Istanbul Strait, a key convergence point for maritime traffic in the Black Sea. However, this proximity also poses a significant risk; pollution from a maritime accident along the approach routes to the Strait could severely disrupt the port's operational capabilities. This study aims to analyze the behavior and spread patterns of ship-sourced oil pollution near Filyos Port and to determine the timeframe within which the port would be exposed to such pollution. This research offers a comprehensive framework for port authorities to develop effective contingency plans, ensuring operational sustainability and enhancing the region’s energy security by mitigating the risks of marine pollution.