MARITIME TRADE LAW

Maritime & Shipping Law

Turkish Legal Consultancy

We provide comprehensive legal services in maritime and shipping law, advising shipowners, charterers, cargo interests, insurers, and maritime operators in Turkey and international trade routes.

Our practice combines litigation, emergency response, and transactional advisory, ensuring effective management of disputes and smooth execution of maritime operations.

Litigation & Maritime Disputes

We represent clients in a wide range of maritime disputes, including:

Maritime criminal matters and proceedings arising from shipping activities
Disputes arising from maritime trade and carriage of goods by sea
Ship registry matters, including registration, cancellation, and ownership disputes
Ship arrest and release proceedings, including cargo-related detention
Enforcement of maritime liens and pledges over vessels and cargo
Marine insurance claims and indemnity disputes
Claims arising from cargo damage, loss, or shortage, including evidence preservation and liability actions

We act swiftly in urgent matters such as ship arrest and cargo disputes, where timing is critical.

Advisory & Transactional Services

We provide end-to-end legal support for maritime operations and contracts:

Drafting and review of charterparty agreements (time, voyage, bareboat)
Legal supervision of freight and carriage contracts
Advisory on collisions, salvage, and maritime incidents
Drafting, review, and interpretation of maritime contracts and documentation
Advisory on the liabilities of shipowners, charterers, and masters (captains)
Legal oversight of port operations, entry/exit procedures, and compliance
Resolution of customs and port-related issues
Drafting and supervision of crew employment contracts
Advisory on international maritime conventions and regulatory frameworks
Legal consultancy on general average claims and procedures
Drafting and review of bills of lading and transport documents
Legal control of loading and unloading operations

Our approach ensures that maritime transactions are legally sound, operationally efficient, and risk-controlled.

Emergency Maritime Response

Maritime disputes often require immediate legal action.

We provide rapid assistance in:

Ship arrest and release procedures
Urgent injunctions and evidence preservation
Coordination with ports, customs authorities, and insurers

Timely intervention is critical to minimize financial and operational losses.

Why This Practice Matters

Maritime operations involve high-value assets and multi-jurisdictional risks.

Legal missteps may result in:

Vessel detention and operational delays
Significant financial losses
Liability exposure under international conventions
Complex cross-border disputes

We support our clients in anticipating risks, ensuring compliance, and resolving disputes efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is ship arrest and when can it be applied?

Ship arrest is a legal mechanism allowing a vessel to be detained as security for a maritime claim.

It is commonly used in disputes involving unpaid debts, cargo claims, or contractual breaches.

How quickly can a ship be arrested in Turkey?

In urgent cases, ship arrest can be obtained within a very short timeframe, subject to court procedures and documentation.

What is a maritime lien?

A maritime lien is a privileged claim against a vessel, allowing creditors to enforce their rights directly against the ship.

What is general average?

General average is a principle where all parties involved in a maritime voyage share losses resulting from a voluntary sacrifice made to save the voyage.

Who is responsible for cargo damage?

Liability depends on the terms of the contract (e.g., bill of lading, charterparty) and applicable law or conventions.

What is the role of a bill of lading?

It serves as:

A receipt of goods
Evidence of the contract of carriage
A document of title

Do maritime disputes require specialized legal support?

Yes. Maritime law involves technical, contractual, and international elements, requiring specialized expertise.

Can you assist with international maritime disputes?

Yes. We handle cross-border disputes, including arbitration and enforcement proceedings.

Work With Us

We provide responsive, commercially focused maritime legal services tailored to your operational needs.