Maritime law covers the legal rules governing vessels, maritime transport, chartering, port operations, maritime claims, liability of participants in maritime activities and the resolution of cross-border disputes.
Maritime legal matters may involve Turkish law, international treaties, contractual provisions and rules of private international law at the same time.
For this reason, handling a maritime transaction or dispute requires more than reviewing the underlying claim. It is also necessary to consider the vessel's status, registration, ownership, contractual structure, applicable law and jurisdiction.
Atalı & Tagi Hukuk Bürosu provides legal assistance in Turkish and international maritime law, including vessel transactions, charterparty agreements, maritime transport, interim measures, ship arrest and litigation or arbitration proceedings.
A maritime operation may involve multiple contracts, parties and jurisdictions at the same time. A sound legal strategy therefore requires consideration not only of substantive law, but also of documentation, vessel registration, contractual provisions, procedural options and commercial consequences.
Maritime legal relationships rarely depend on a single provision or a single jurisdiction. Each matter requires an assessment of the vessel's legal status, the parties involved in the transaction or carriage, the contractual arrangements, the nature of the claim, the applicable law and the competent authority for resolving the dispute.
In Turkey, an important source of maritime law is the Turkish Commercial Code (Türk Ticaret Kanunu, TTK). However, the legal analysis of a maritime transaction or dispute may also require consideration of other provisions of Turkish law, international treaties, contractual terms and private international law.
Legal assessment should therefore go beyond simply asking which law applies. The structure of the particular transaction must also be examined: who owns or operates the vessel, where it is registered, where the claim arose, which documents have been signed and whether the parties have agreed on court jurisdiction or arbitration.
Legal review of vessel documentation, registration, ownership, encumbrances and transaction risks.
Analysis of carriage contracts, charterparties, freight, liability and the consequences of contractual breaches.
Legal strategy concerning maritime claims, debt recovery, security measures and disputes in Turkey.
We assess each matter based on the available documents, contractual structure and procedural risks. The scope of work is determined after reviewing the specific transaction or dispute.
Legal assistance with vessel purchase and sale transactions.
Legal assistance concerning vessel registration and registration-related matters.
Review of charterparty agreements and allocation of commercial and legal risks.
Legal assistance concerning claims arising from carriage and cargo matters.
Legal assessment of available options for securing maritime claims.
Litigation and arbitration strategy concerning maritime claims.
In maritime business, a contractual mistake or a missed security measure can affect not only the dispute itself, but also the value of the vessel, the movement of cargo and the financial outcome of the entire transaction.
Ship arrest in Turkey is one of the most sensitive procedures in maritime disputes. For a creditor, the issue may be securing a future recovery, while for a shipowner, an arrest can result in vessel downtime, additional expenses and significant commercial losses.
The availability of an interim measure depends on the specific maritime claim, procedural requirements, the status of the vessel and other circumstances. Before applying to a court, it is therefore important to assess not only the existence of the debt or claim, but also its legal basis, supporting documents and potential objections from the opposing party.
When purchasing a vessel, the cost of legal due diligence is generally insignificant compared with the potential losses arising from an undisclosed encumbrance, ownership issue or unfavourable contractual provision. Vessel legal due diligence should be tailored to the structure of the transaction and its level of risk.
Depending on the circumstances, the review may include seller documentation, ownership, registration records, mortgages and other encumbrances, contractual documentation, the authority of signatories and known legal claims.
A charterparty agreement allocates a significant number of commercial and legal risks between the parties. When reviewing such an agreement, it is important to consider not only the amount of freight, but also the permitted use of the vessel, time limits, liability, downtime, insurance, notice requirements, consequences of breaches and the applicable dispute resolution mechanism.
International carriage may additionally require an assessment of which rules govern the relationship between the parties and how the contractual terms interact with mandatory provisions of the applicable law and international agreements.
A single maritime transaction may involve a Turkish company, a foreign shipowner, a carrier from another country, a cargo owner, an insurer and a port located in a third jurisdiction.
As a result, Turkish maritime law may operate alongside contractual provisions and foreign or international legal rules.
Before a dispute arises, it is important to determine the applicable law and competent authority. An arbitration clause, choice of court, place of performance and other contractual provisions may substantially affect the procedural strategy.
Particular attention may also be required for the recognition and enforcement of decisions, allocation of procedural costs and interaction between different jurisdictions.
Experience with Turkish legislation and legal matters arising in Turkey.
We consider applicable law, jurisdiction, contractual provisions and the international nature of maritime operations.
We assist foreign shipowners, companies and participants in international maritime transactions and disputes.
Legal communication and assistance are available in English and Turkish throughout the matter.
Depending on the circumstances, maritime legal relationships in Turkey are governed by the Turkish Commercial Code (Türk Ticaret Kanunu, TTK), other provisions of Turkish law, international treaties and the applicable law.
In cases provided by law, interim measures may be available in relation to a vessel. The possibility and procedure depend on the nature of the claim, the status of the vessel, the competent court and compliance with applicable procedural requirements.
A legal review will generally examine ownership, registration, mortgages and other encumbrances, the seller's authority, contractual documents and known legal claims. The scope of the review depends on the specific transaction.
Yes. We can review charterparty agreements, risk allocation, freight payments, time limits, the parties' liabilities, contractual breaches, applicable law and dispute resolution provisions.
Yes. We provide legal assistance in maritime disputes, including legal assessment, pre-litigation work and representation in relevant court or arbitration proceedings.
Yes. In cross-border transactions and disputes, we consider issues relating to applicable law, jurisdiction and arbitration agreements.
Legal communication and assistance are available in English and Turkish.
You can send a brief description of the matter and the key documents via WhatsApp or email. After reviewing the materials, we can determine the scope of legal work required.
Send us a brief description of your matter and, if possible, the key documents. We can then determine which legal issues need to be assessed and what type of legal assistance would be appropriate for your situation.
Contact us on WhatsApp
Licensed Turkish lawyers
Legal assistance in English and Turkish.
Phone / WhatsApp:
+90 536 331 89 97
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute an individual legal opinion or legal advice concerning a specific matter.
