Turkey is one of the countries with an international importance in the field of maritime law due to its geographical location on the Black Sea, Aegean Sea and Mediterranean Sea, with its straits, ports and intensive maritime trade. For this reason, it has become a vital necessity for ship owners, shipowners, foreign investors, insurance companies and many individuals and organizations operating in the maritime sector to work with a maritime law attorney in Turkey. In particular, foreign real and legal persons need lawyers specialized in this field in order to properly manage the legal risks they may face in Turkey.
What is the Law of the Sea and Which Areas Does it Cover?
Maritime law is a special branch of law with both national and international dimensions that regulates maritime trade, ship management, maritime accidents, cargo and passenger transportation, maritime insurance and claims arising from the sea. In the Turkish legal system, the basic regulations on maritime law are applied together with international conventions, particularly the Turkish Commercial Code.
In this context, the law of the sea;
-
Ship and yacht management
-
Maritime trade contracts
-
Freight, transportation and charter contracts
-
Marine accidents and collision cases
-
Ship claims and ship attachment
-
Marine insurance
-
Port, dock and terminal disputes
covers a wide range of technical and specialized topics.
Istanbul Based Maritime Litigation
Istanbul-based maritime litigation is mostly heard in commercial courts and requires technical knowledge. These cases include claims arising out of maritime trade, ship arrest claims, cargo damage disputes and compensation claims for maritime accidents.
In maritime litigation in Istanbul, where there is a strong international component, the correct determination of the competent court and the applicable law is of great importance. The proper conduct of the case ensures that time and costs are kept under control.
Legal Support in Istanbul Ports
Istanbul’s ports are among the busiest areas in Turkey with the highest ship traffic. Legal problems in ports often require urgent intervention. Ship arrest, precautionary attachment, cargo-related disputes and receivables arising from port services require fast and accurate legal steps to be taken.
Legal assistance in Istanbul ports ensures that the process goes smoothly for ship owners, agents, carriers and foreign companies. Timely and timely applications help to secure receivables.
The Role of the Maritime Lawyer in Turkey
A maritime law lawyer in Turkey plays an active role not only in litigation, but also in contract drafting, risk analysis and legal consultancy processes with a preventive law approach. Especially for foreign clients, it is of great importance to interpret Turkish legislation correctly and not to miss deadlines and procedural rules.
Maritime law attorney;
-
In disputes concerning Turkish flagged or foreign flagged ships
-
In maritime accidents occurring in Turkish ports
-
Foreign companies’ maritime investments in Turkey
-
In disputes relating to international maritime transport
represents its clients under both Turkish law and international conventions.
Maritime Law Services in Turkey for Foreigners
Turkey is a strategic country for foreign ship owners and maritime companies as it is located at the intersection of the world’s maritime trade routes. This situation increases foreign clients’ search for maritime lawyers in Turkey. Foreign clients often seek answers to the following questions:
-
How is ship attachment applied in Turkey?
-
How does the compensation process work after a maritime accident?
-
How are receivables arising in Turkish ports collected?
-
How are international transportation contracts evaluated under Turkish law?
At this point, working with a maritime law attorney who is accustomed to working with foreign clients, who can communicate in multiple languages and who is familiar with international legislation will ensure a healthy management of the process.
Ship Seizure and Maritime Claims
One of the most critical areas of maritime law is ship attachment and maritime claims. Turkey is one of the countries actively preferred for international ship attachment practices. The density of ports and the jurisdiction of Turkish courts offer significant advantages for creditors.
Maritime law attorney;
-
Precautionary attachment of the ship
-
Determination of maritime claims
-
Managing collateral and appeal processes
-
Follow-up of the lawsuit process after foreclosure
and other technical phases meticulously. Accurate management of these processes plays a decisive role in the collection of receivables.
Marine Accidents and Compensation Claims
Maritime accidents resulting in collision, grounding, cargo damage, environmental pollution and loss of life may give rise to both financial and criminal liability. In maritime accidents occurring in Turkey, it is common for the incident to involve foreign elements. This makes the legal process more complex.
Maritime law attorney;
-
Identification of evidence after the accident
-
Determination of defect rates
-
Negotiations with insurance companies
-
Opening and follow-up of compensation cases
provides comprehensive support to its clients at such stages.
Marine Insurance and Legal Disputes
Ship, cargo and liability insurances are indispensable elements of maritime trade. However, disputes with insurance companies after damage can lead to serious financial losses. A lawyer specialized in maritime law in Turkey plays a critical role in interpreting insurance policies and managing insurance arbitration or litigation proceedings.
Contracts Relating to Maritime Trade
Contracts specific to maritime trade such as charter parties, bills of lading and freight contracts contain technical terms and international practices. Drafting or reviewing these contracts in accordance with Turkish law ensures that future disputes are avoided. The maritime law attorney creates contract structures that protect the rights of both Turkish and foreign parties in a balanced manner.
Why Work with an Expert Maritime Lawyer in Turkey?
Maritime law requires sectoral experience and an international perspective beyond general legal knowledge. Working with a lawyer specialized in this field in Turkey;
-
Prevents loss of time
-
Minimizes legal risks
-
Provides confidence in international transactions
-
Prevents financial losses
Especially for foreign clients, it is a great advantage to receive professional support on the judicial system and practices in Turkey.
Legal Advice and Representation in the Field of Maritime Law
When faced with a dispute related to maritime activities, it is extremely important to manage the process correctly from the outset. At this point Lawyer Esra Aslanprovides professional support for the needs of domestic and foreign clients within the scope of litigation and legal consultancy services in the field of maritime law. In matters such as ship seizure, maritime trade agreements and international maritime disputes, the legal roadmap is determined and the process is aimed to progress effectively.
Maritime law is a field that leaves no room for error and requires expertise. If there is a legal issue related to maritime activities in Turkey, it would be the healthiest step to consult an experienced maritime law attorney in order to build the process correctly from start to finish and to avoid any loss of rights.
