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The number of tankers waiting to pass through the Bosphorus on their way to the Mediterranean fell to 13 from 17 a day earlier, shipping agency Tribeca reported, Reuters reported.

This is a signal to ease traffic congestion, the agency adds.

A Turkish measure that came into force at the beginning of the month has caused shipping delays.

Ankara requires ships to provide proof of insurance covering the duration of their transit through the Bosphorus or when calling at Turkish ports.

Five tankers are due to cross the Bosphorus southbound on Monday, Tribeca reported, citing BTA.

The number of ships waiting in the Black Sea to pass through the strait was 20 on Friday.

The average wait time for tankers fell to 2.8 days from 4.2 days a day earlier, Tribeca data showed.

Wait times peaked at over 6 days last week.

Tankers clogged Turkish waters

Turkish maritime authorities said on Sunday that four tankers carrying about 475,000 tonnes of oil had secured the necessary insurance documents, making it easier for them to pass through the strait today.

In a statement, Turkish maritime authorities also said they had removed five oil tankers from the country's territorial waters after they failed to provide letters confirming their insurance.

Two southbound tankers are expected to transit the Dardanelles on Monday, while seven tankers are waiting to be scheduled, Tribeca reported.

Bosphorus

oil tankers