Turkey’s geographic position between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East makes it a critical hub for international maritime trade. However, navigating shipping and maritime law in Turkey requires deep legal expertise and understanding of local and international regulations. At ER&GUN&ER Turkish Law Firm, our English-speaking Turkish lawyers offer specialized legal services for foreign shipping companies, cargo owners, insurers, and freight forwarders.
Overview of Shipping and Maritime Law in Turkey
Turkey’s maritime sector is primarily regulated by the Turkish Commercial Code (TCC), which incorporates comprehensive maritime law provisions aligned with international standards, including Hague-Visby Rules and Hamburg Rules. Key areas include:
- Carriage of goods by sea (bill of lading issues)
- Cargo loss, damage, and delay claims
- Marine insurance disputes
- Ship arrests and enforcement actions
- Charter party agreements (voyage and time charters)
- Collisions, salvage, and general average cases
- Maritime arbitration and dispute resolution
Common Maritime Legal Issues Faced by Foreign Companies
- Disputes over lost or damaged cargo
- Delays in delivery and detention of vessels
- Demurrage claims and laytime disputes
- Ship arrest applications before Turkish courts
- Marine insurance coverage disputes
- Enforcement of foreign arbitration awards in Turkey
Why Foreign Shipping Companies Need a Turkish Law Firm
- Local representation in Turkish port and maritime courts
- Expert knowledge of Turkish Commercial Code and maritime conventions
- Strategic advice on arresting ships and securing maritime liens
- Handling litigation and arbitration in both Turkish and English languages
- Drafting and negotiating shipping contracts under Turkish law
How Our English-Speaking Turkish Lawyers Support Clients
- Advising on shipping contracts and charter parties
- Representing cargo owners in damage and delay claims
- Handling ship arrest applications and defense actions
- Assisting insurers and P&I clubs in marine claims management
- Litigating maritime disputes in Turkish courts or through arbitration (ISTAC, ICC, LMAA)
Internal Link: Related International Trade Law Services
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👉 International Trade Law in Turkey: Legal Guide for Foreign Companies
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can foreign companies arrest ships in Turkey? Yes. Turkish law allows ship arrest as a security measure in maritime claims.
- Are shipping contracts enforceable under Turkish law? Yes. English-language shipping contracts are valid but may require sworn translations for Turkish court proceedings.
- What international conventions apply in Turkey? Turkey is a party to Hague-Visby Rules, Hamburg Rules, and other key maritime conventions.
- Is maritime arbitration recognized in Turkey? Yes. Turkey recognizes and enforces arbitration clauses under the New York Convention.
- Can you assist with cargo claims against Turkish carriers? Absolutely. We represent cargo owners, freight forwarders, and insurers in cargo damage, loss, and delay disputes.
- How long does it take to arrest a ship in Turkey? Urgent ship arrest applications can be processed within 24-48 hours.
- What about disputes over demurrage and laytime? We regularly advise on demurrage claims and represent clients in arbitration or court disputes over charter party terms.
- Can ER&GUN&ER assist with marine insurance disputes? Yes. We represent underwriters, insurers, and insured parties in marine insurance claims and coverage litigation.
- Why choose ER&GUN&ER? Because we are a trusted Turkish law firm offering expert bilingual maritime legal services to international shipping clients worldwide.
If you require shipping and maritime legal services in Turkey, trust ER&GUN&ER Law Firm for strategic, bilingual, and reliable legal solutions that protect your shipping operations and cargo interests.