Maritime & Transport Law

Maritime matters are principally governed by the Turkish Commercial Code No. 6102, particularly its provisions on maritime commerce and maritime claims. Depending on the dispute, the Turkish Code of Obligations No. 6098, the Enforcement and Bankruptcy Law No. 2004 and applicable international conventions may also be relevant.

Ship arrest procedures require consideration of the maritime claim provisions of the TCC and the International Convention on Arrest of Ships, 1999, to which Türkiye acceded. Other relevant international instruments may include SOLAS, MARPOL and STCW, depending on the regulatory issue.

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, the Directorate General for Maritime Affairs, harbour master offices, ship registries and the competent courts are among the institutions involved in maritime matters. Flag-state and port-state authorities may also have responsibilities under applicable international rules.

Shipping contracts. We review and prepare charter parties, carriage agreements and related maritime commercial documentation. Contractual provisions may concern freight, hire, laytime, demurrage, delivery, off-hire, liability and dispute resolution.

Maritime claims and ship arrests. Maritime disputes may require urgent consideration of whether a claim qualifies as a maritime claim capable of supporting the arrest of a vessel. The relevant assessment includes the identity of the debtor, vessel ownership, supporting evidence, jurisdiction and applicable security requirements.

Where arrest proceedings are appropriate, an application is made to the competent court. The resulting measures must be implemented through the relevant enforcement procedures and authorities. Subsequent steps may concern security, release of the vessel and the underlying claim.

Cargo and insurance disputes. Cargo loss, damage, delay and transport-related liability may involve carriers, cargo interests, insurers and P&I clubs. Relevant bills of lading, charter parties, survey reports, notices, insurance documents and correspondence are examined to establish the contractual and legal position.

Ship finance and registration. Vessel acquisitions and financing transactions require consideration of title, registry status, mortgages, security documents and contractual obligations. The applicable documentation and registration requirements depend on the vessel and transaction structure.

Maritime regulation. Shipowners and operators may also face obligations arising from safety, environmental and operational regulations. We examine the legal implications of applicable domestic provisions and international maritime instruments, including matters arising from regulatory inspections and administrative decisions.

Our maritime and transport practice concerns shipowners, charterers, ship managers, P&I clubs, insurers, cargo interests, logistics providers, maritime service companies, banks and ship finance participants.