Turkey has resumed the passage of commercial vessels through its straits toward the Black Sea following temporary delays that affected some ships amid heightened maritime security concerns in the region.

Ship-tracking data showed that vessels were again moving through the Dardanelles on Sunday. Among them was the crude oil tanker Aegean Dream, which had reportedly waited in the area since Thursday before proceeding toward Russia’s Novorossiysk. A container vessel was also reported to have passed through while indicating the same destination.

The development followed reports that Turkish authorities had temporarily delayed or restricted transit permits for some vessels heading to Russian and Ukrainian ports. Turkish officials later said that temporary security measures had been implemented but that commercial ship traffic through the Turkish straits was continuing.

The situation comes amid increased concern over attacks involving merchant vessels in the Black Sea. Turkey has repeatedly called on both Russia and Ukraine to protect maritime navigation, with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan urging the two sides to consider a moratorium on attacks in the area.

The Bosphorus and Dardanelles remain strategically important routes connecting the Black Sea with international shipping lanes. Their operation is governed by the Montreux Convention, which provides for the passage of civilian vessels while giving Turkey authority over the straits and imposing specific restrictions on naval traffic.

The resumption of commercial transits provides some relief for shipping operations, although security conditions across the Black Sea remain closely watched as the continuing conflict poses risks to merchant vessels, crews and regional maritime trade.