Maritime Lawyer in Turkey: Complete Guide to Shipping & Admiralty Law
- Zeynep Atım Kurucuk
- Sep 26
- 5 min read
Hiring a Maritime Lawyer in Turkey is essential for anyone dealing with shipping, cargo disputes, vessel arrests, seafarer rights, or marine insurance claims. As one of the world’s busiest maritime nations—home to critical ports like Istanbul, Izmir, Mersin, and Antalya—Turkey is at the heart of global trade routes connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
A Turkish Maritime Lawyer (Deniz Hukuku Avukatı / Denizcilik Avukatı) helps shipowners, cargo interests, insurers, and seafarers resolve disputes under both Turkish Commercial Code (Türk Ticaret Kanunu) and international maritime conventions such as MARPOL, Hague-Visby Rules, and UNCLOS.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
What maritime lawyers do in Turkey
Types of cases they handle (cargo, ship arrest, insurance, accidents, pollution)
Legal processes under Turkish maritime law
Costs, timelines, and hiring tips
Common FAQs about maritime law in Turkey
Whether you are a shipping company, yacht owner, or injured seafarer, this resource explains everything you need to know about working with a Maritime Lawyer in Turkey.
What is a Maritime Lawyer in Turkey?
Definition & Role
A Maritime Lawyer Turkey—also called Admiralty Lawyer Turkey or Shipping Lawyer Turkey—is a legal professional specialized in maritime and admiralty law. Their role includes:
Advising shipowners, charterers, freight forwarders, and insurers
Drafting and enforcing shipping contracts (charter parties, bills of lading)
Handling vessel arrests and maritime liens
Representing seafarers in injury claims
Managing marine insurance disputes (Hull, P&I, cargo insurance)
Defending ship operators in environmental and pollution claims
In Turkish: “Deniz Hukuku Avukatı” or “Denizcilik Avukatı”.
Why Maritime Law is Critical in Turkey
Strategic geography: Turkey controls the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits, through which nearly 50,000 vessels pass annually.
Major ports: Istanbul (Tuzla shipyards), Izmir (Aegean trade hub), Mersin (Mediterranean gateway), Antalya (yacht & cruise tourism).
International commerce: Turkey’s maritime law regulates billions of dollars in global trade.
Key Legal Sources
Türk Ticaret Kanunu (Turkish Commercial Code, Book V – Maritime Commerce)
Türk Borçlar Kanunu (Code of Obligations)
MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships)
Hague-Visby Rules (cargo liability)
UNCLOS (Law of the Sea)
Types of Cases Handled by Maritime Lawyers in Turkey
Cargo & Contract Disputes
Bill of lading disputes (lost/damaged cargo, misdelivery)
Charter party agreements (time charter, voyage charter conflicts)
Freight & demurrage claims
👉 Example: A cargo owner at Izmir port hires a cargo damage lawyer to recover compensation for spoiled perishable goods under a bill of lading.
Ship Arrest & Maritime Liens
Urgent ship arrest lawyer Turkey services to secure claims
Vessel seizure at Turkish ports for unpaid debts
Enforcement of maritime liens (wages, collision, salvage)
👉 Example: A bunker supplier in Mersin arrests a foreign vessel to recover unpaid fuel costs.
Seafarer & Passenger Injury Claims
Seafarer injury claims under Turkish labor & maritime law
Passenger injury on cruise ship claims in Antalya
Cases with Jones Act connections for U.S. seafarers
👉 Example: An injured Turkish seafarer at Tuzla shipyard files a claim for medical expenses and lost wages.
Marine Insurance & P&I Claims
Hull insurance disputes (collision, fire, grounding)
P&I Club claims (cargo loss, pollution, crew injury)
Marine insurance lawyer advice for shipowners & insurers
Salvage, Wreck & Environmental Law
Salvage law expert services (Gemi kurtarma, müşterek avarya)
Wreck removal legal advice for sunken ships
Maritime pollution lawyer Turkey for MARPOL violations
👉 Example: Oil spill liability in the Marmara Sea requires urgent legal representation under environmental law.
Geographic Hotspots for Maritime Legal Services
Istanbul – Maritime Lawyer Istanbul
Main shipping hub with Tuzla shipyards and Bosporus transit.
Most ship arrest applications are filed here.
Izmir – Maritime Lawyer Izmir
Key Aegean port for container trade & charter party disputes.
Mersin – Maritime Lawyer Mersin
Gateway to the Eastern Mediterranean.
Common for cargo disputes and vessel seizures.
Antalya – Maritime Lawyer Antalya
Yacht ownership disputes, cruise passenger claims.
Ankara – Maritime Lawyer Ankara
Seat of Ministry of Transport & Infrastructure and regulatory agencies.
Ideal for government & compliance matters.
How to Hire a Maritime Lawyer in Turkey
What to Look For
Proven experience in maritime law (not just general commercial law)
Knowledge of Türk Ticaret Kanunu + international conventions
Track record with international shipowners and insurers
Ability to handle urgent ship arrest cases
Steps to Get Legal Help
Book a consultation – explain your maritime issue.
Case assessment – lawyer reviews contracts, documents, or evidence.
Strategy planning – settlement, arbitration, or litigation.
Execution – filing lawsuits, arresting ships, negotiating settlements.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Have you handled a ship arrest in Istanbul or Mersin?
Do you work with P&I Clubs and foreign insurers?
What is your experience with charter party disputes?
Can you provide urgent 24/7 ship arrest advice?
Cost, Timeline & Legal Process
Typical Legal Fees
Ship arrest: Often flat fee + court costs
Cargo disputes: Hourly rates or contingency (in some cases)
Marine insurance: Hourly billing due to complexity
Ship Arrest Timeline
Application can be filed within 24 hours
Court order often issued in 1–3 days
Vessel detained until claim is secured
Settlement vs. Court Proceedings
Settlement is common in charter party & cargo disputes
Court litigation under Turkish law for contested claims
Arbitration (Istanbul Arbitration Centre or London Maritime Arbitrators Association for international cases)
Common FAQs about Maritime Lawyers in Turkey
How to arrest a ship in Turkey?
File an urgent application before a Turkish court with supporting documents. A ship arrest lawyer in Istanbul or Mersin can obtain detention within days.
Can I claim for lost cargo at Istanbul port?
Yes. A cargo damage lawyer can sue under the bill of lading and Türk Ticaret Kanunu provisions.
What compensation for a cruise ship injury in Antalya?
Injured passengers can claim medical expenses, lost holidays, and damages under maritime and consumer law.
What are the legal requirements for yacht registration in Turkey?
Yachts must be registered with the Turkish Ship Registry. A yacht owner lawyer assists with documentation, tax, and compliance.
Which is the best maritime law firm in Turkey for insurance claims?
Choose a firm with proven experience in P&I Club disputes, hull insurance litigation, and international marine arbitration.
Protect Your Rights at Sea — Speak with M. Özgür Kurucuk Now
Turkey’s maritime sector is dynamic, complex, and globally connected. From ship arrests in Istanbul to yacht disputes in Antalya, having an experienced Maritime Lawyer in Turkey ensures that your rights and business interests are fully protected under both Turkish and international law.
Whether you are a shipowner, cargo interest, insurer, or seafarer, consulting a Deniz Hukuku Avukatı can save you time, money, and risk in maritime disputes.
📞 If you need urgent advice or wish to hire a maritime lawyer in Turkey, contact M. Özgür Kurucuk Now for a confidential consultation.
