Firms To Watch: Transport

Gür Law Firm handles all types of maritime proceedings and litigation, including ship arrests, collisions, casualties and ship fires.

Firms in the Spotlight Transport

DANIS LAW OFFICE

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Transport is one of the most valuable practices at DANİŞ LAW OFFICE and we offer a wide range of services.

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Transport in Turkey

Balcioglu Selçuk Ardiyok Keki

Balcioglu Selçuk Ardiyok Keki provides legal expertise to maritime businesses, such as ship owners, traders, operators, financiers and cargo underwriters. The firm has expertise in disputes involving claims for lost, damaged or delayed cargo and collisions, personal injury, contract disputes and pollution claims. The firm team frequently works with lenders such as Deutsche Bank, Denizbank and Dekabank. Gülistan Baltacı Hatay has notable experience in asset finance and securitisation matters, and co-heads the practice with Semih Sander whose core work involves shipping and admiralty work.

Practice head(s):

Gülistan Baltacı Hatay; Semih Sander

Key clients

Mersin Uluslararası Liman İşletmeciliği A.Ş. (Mersin International Port)

The Swedish Club

Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation

Det Norske Veritas Gemi Sınıflandırma

Catoni Deniz Isleri A.S.

Toll Global Forwarding Cooperatief U.A.

Ocean Network Express

Karadeniz Holding

Navigators Insurance (Navigators)

United Brokers Insurance (UIB)

Lufthansa Airplus Servicekarten GMHB

Cavic 36 Designated Activity Company

China Eximbank

Venture Investment & Co UK LLP

AVES A.S.

Naturwaren-Niederrhein GmbH

Modern Global City LLC

Advanced Public Transport Systems BV

QNB Finansbank AS

Credit Europe BANK NV

Ursa Gemicilik Bakım Onarım Tersanecilik Sanayii ve Tic. A.Ş.

Work highlights

  • Advised Mersin Uluslararası Liman İşletmeciliği A.Ş. (Mersin International Port) on claims of approximately USD 40 million by a service provider.
  • Advised Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation on the foreclosure of mortgages EUR 66 million over two boxships, namely “Espero” and “Beluga Modesty”, both owned by Volum Denizcilik.
  • Advised United Insurance Brokers Ltd. (UIB) & Navigators Insurance (Navigators) regarding the recourse claim directed by an insurance company for the damages arising from an incident causing damage to a tunnel equipment.

Cavus & Coskunsu Law Firm

Cavus & Coskunsu Law Firm is a boutique shipping practice which provides the full range of contentious and non-contentious services across the maritime sector covering international trade, insurance and ship finance. The team is well versed in litigation and arbitration, especially in criminal proceedings relating to freezing of assets and enforcement of arbitral awards. Burak Cavus representing foreign and domestic clients in disputes, co-heading the team alongside Caglar Coskunsu, experienced in insurance law, and Onur Azakli  who focuses on collisions and personal injuries.

Practice head(s):

Burak Gokce Cavus; Caglar Coskunsu; Onur Azakli

Testimonials

‘The team is simply excellent. It is a perfect law firm that provides you an all-around service. Their knowledge of the market and their ability to solve problems is perfect.’

‘Caglar Coskunsu provides an excellent combination of experience in maritime law and also technical knowledge, being a former master mariner. Burak is one of the hardest working people I have ever met and a great litigator whose commercial and financial knowledge is very rare. Onur Oguzgiray is an excellent lawyer who provides brief and efficient legal advice.’

‘I think Cavus & Coskunsu Law Firm has a strong balance of legal and commercial acumen. Their speciality in maritime matters is just another great asset. It is especially easy to communicate with both Caglar and Burak and it is not common to come across a lawyer who is able to understand the commercial needs of their clients and essence of our business. Their advice on the legal perspectives come in useful to protect our legal interests and yet achieve our commercial objectives.’

‘Caglar Coskunsu is a former master mariner and an excellent lawyer who provides swift and solid service. He is always available and always makes sure that you and the company is up-to-date with the developments. Burak is one of the hardest working people I have ever met and a great litigator whose commercial and financial knowledge is very rare.’

‘Onur Azakli is a highly skilled lawyer and excellent negotiator. She is someone whom we are glad to be on our side when matters are escalated.’

‘The team excels in all aspects of transport law from emergency response to corporate consulting to litigation. They have a great team with magnificent legal knowledge but they can be also commercial if you want to. They are very hands-on and have an excellent network in Turkey. They are quick and efficient. No nonsense.’

‘Burak Cavus is a star lawyer and a go to choice in the market.’

Key clients

Assuranceforeningen Skuld

Desird Design – Emre Kazan

Fibabank A.S.

Gard AS

Hydor AS

Nordic Cyclone Navigation Ltd

Norwegian Hull Club

Seadar Shipmanagement S.A.

The American Club / Eagle Ocean Maritime

The London P&I Club

Epsilon Denizcilik

Thomas Miller Speciality

The Swedish Club

Work highlights

  • Advised Desird Design on the rights to build a Yacht Marina in Yeni Foca Izmir, including advice on all transactions and aspects of the bidding.
  • Advised the London P&I and the Owners of BC VANESSA in the collision incident with the motor vessel BENITAMOU.
  • Advised Fibabank in connection with the Sale of motor yacht Euphoria.

Ersoy Bilgehan Lawyers & Consultants

Shipping and transport is a core practice area at Ersoy Bilgehan Lawyers & Consultants with a client base consisting of ship-owners, P&I clubs, cargo owners, hull and machinery insurers. The firm provides representation in a wide range of disputes relating to charter parties, bills of lading, cargo claims, collisions, sea pollution and purchase of ships. M. Raci Alper advises underwriters on coverage issues, while Zihni Bilgehan focuses on finance issues. They co-head the practice with Emre Ersoy who leads on major casualties and Ergün Ersoy.

Practice head(s):

Ergun Ersoy; Zihni Bilgehan; M. Raci Alper; Emre Ersoy

Testimonials

‘The team is well qualified and well experienced in the field of transport.’

‘We worked with Emre Ersoy with closely. He is so cooperative and well qualified.’

Key clients

Holman Fenwick Willan LLP

Willis Towers Watson

WK Webster & Co Ltd

The Shipowners Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association

Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation

Orient Overseas Container Line Inc

Shourai Marine

MMSL Pte Ltd

Mitsui Simutomo Insurance

Fina Holding A.S.

Warstila Finland Oy

Allianz Versicherung AG

Hiscox MGA Ltd

Aston FFI Suisse

DVB Bank SE

Sidra Maritime Ltd

Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co Ltd

TT Club

Mars Logistics S.A.R.L.

Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co. Ltd.

Frontline Shipping Company

DNV

American Bureau of Shipping

Oldendorff Carriers

CMA CGM

Drydocks World

Lucky Copper SA

Hapag LLoyd AG

Ulusoy Holding A.S.

The Britannia Steam Ship Insurance Association Limited

IF P&C Insurance Ltd

Doun Kisen Co Ltd.

Draco buren Shipping Pte Ltd

Siat – Societa Italiana Assicurazioni e Riassicurazioni

Thomas Miller Speciality

London Syndicate Underwriters As Reinsurers of Eregli Demir Celik Fabrikalari A.S.

BB Energy trading Limited

Delayfix S.A.

Turk P&I Insurance AS

Synergas SRL

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)

AP Moller Maersk

K Line Pte Ltd

Japan P&I Club

TMS Bulkers Ltd

Arcadia Hellas

Kalimbassieris Maritime

Cosco Shipping

Eren Holding A.S.

West of England (P&I) Club

Steamship Mutual (P&I) Club

The Swedish Club

UK Mutual (P&I) Club

Aurora P&I Club

Gard P&I Club

Genel Denizcilik Nakliyati A.S.

Ekol Lojistik A.S.

Clyde & Co

Work highlights

  • Represented the owners, charterers and insurers of M/V BENITAMOU in complex administrative, civil and criminal proceedings in relation to a major collision incident which occurred in Turkish waters.
  • Assisted the owners and insurers of the M/T “SYN ZANIA” with a number of different multi-million USD claims and legal proceedings associated with the explosion and fire that broke out during loading operations.
  • Assisted the owners of M/V Genuine Hercules and the insurers of the vessel in relation to a multi-million dollars cargo contamination claim, the result of which is highly anticipated by the leading shipping individuals in Turkey.

Erçin Bilgin Bektasoglu

The transport team at Erçin Bilgin Bektasoglu is known for its capabilities in maritime and aviation law, with extensive litigation experience in addition to arbitration and mediation. This ranges from product liability and class actions in total losses of aircrafts to insurance disputes between regional governments. The team is co-led with Feyzi Ercin being involved in wet shipping cases and Burcu Çelikçapa-Bilgin representing local and foreign based liability and cargo underwriters. Other co-head Dilek Bektaşoğlu-Sanlı does dry shipping work such as shipbuilding and repair contracts.

Practice head(s):

Feyzi Erçin; Burcu Çelikçapa Bilgin; Dilek Bektaşoğlu Sanlı

Testimonials

‘Ercin Bilgin Bektasoglu Law Firm is our law partner, we have huge collaboration between us. We trust their team and get advice from them always. We obtain unique service such as a qualified team, good price, accessibility etc.

‘We recommend Ercin Bilgin Bektasoglu (EBB) Law Firm, if anyone needs.’

‘If we compare Ercin Bilgin Bektasoglu Law Firm to others, they have special characteristic especially their partner availability, quality of partners, valuable feedback, good communication, sector knowledge.’

‘We very pleased to work with Ercin Bilgin Bektasoglu Law Firm.’

‘Professional, knowledgeable and know what the client needs/require with prompt responses.’

‘The contact is very high-standard and professional.’

‘EBB Law Firm provides our company with high quality legal services in transport matters. Members of the law firm are reliable, responsible and manage to apply their knowledge very successfully.’

Key clients

Eczacıbaşı Tüketim Ürünleri Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.

The North of England P&I Association Limited

Georg Duncker GmbH & Co. KG.

The West of England Ship Owners Mutual Insurance Association

Assuranceforeningen Skuld

Verein Hanseatischer Transportversicherer e.V.

Skuld Germany GmbH

Steamship Insurance Management Services Limited

Holman Fenwick Willan

Etihad Aviation Group

Work highlights

    Inal Law Office

    Inal Law Office assists clients in issues relating to casualty, admiralty, P&I, ship finance, cargo litigation and arbitration. The firm is particularly experienced on shipbuilding and super yacht construction projects, while advising on the registration of newbuild vessels and mortgages over them. Seyma Inal has expertise in dispute resolution methods, including litigation and arbitration. She co-heads the practice with Memil Sarısozen who is well-versed in finance and construction issues.

    Practice head(s):

    Şeyma İnal; Memil Sarısözen

    Testimonials

    ‘Dedication, professionalism, diversity on topics and speed of service.’

    ‘The firm has a proactive approach to all cases, ensures the client’s protection by evaluating all possible scenarios, providing the client security and trust with the decisions taken. Their billing is very detailed.’

    ‘Partners and associates have extensive experience, are very well-connected within the legal system and have a quick response time to avoid possible issues from arising.’

    ‘Led by Şeyma Inal who combines in-depth knowledge of Turkish law with an international mindset. The law firm have close and long-lasting relationships with their clients, who range from large international companies, banks and financial institutions to renewable energy suppliers.’

    ‘The individuals we work with are proactive and react to requests efficiently. We value the firm’s dynamic approach and their up-to-date knowledge of Turkish law and international markets.’

    ‘The most important character of the Inal Team, under the leadership of Ms. Şeyma Inal is their broad knowledge on almost all matters related to transportation and shipping, as corporate and commercial laws, as well sanction issues.’

    ‘The team we worked with is extremely competent, confident, fast-paced and able to anticipate the needs of the client before they arise. The very high degree of technology used and the efficiency of the team we worked with has made the whole process very fast and efficient and appreciated by our client.’

    ‘Inal Law Office combines a broad and deep knowledge of Turkish law with an international outlook. The team works tightly together and any team member is highly professional, thoroughly reliable and well-informed about the file they are handling.’

    Key clients

    Enka Construction and Development B.V. (Enka Group)

    MSC Shipping SA

    Terminal Investment Limited

    Advokatfirmaet Schjødt AS

    Agribio S.R.L

    Atlantic Forwarding Group

    Atlantic Speditions Uluslararası Taşımacılık Anonim Şirketi

    Alley, Maass, Rogers & Lindsay, P.A.

    Sarp Havacılık Lojistik Turizm Sanayi ve A.Ş.

    Lionspirit Holdings Inc.

    Holman Fenwick Willan

    Ganado Services Limited

    Wikborg Rein LLP

    Norton Rose Fulbright

    Superlit Boru Sanayi A.Ş.

    Clyde & Co LLP

    International Road Transportation Union (IRU)

    Willkie Farr & Gallagher (UK) LLP

    Stem Shipping Greece/Optimal International Shipping

    Landolfi Commercial Law Firm

    Cox & Company Maritime and Aviation Law

    Bohonnon Law Firm LLC

    Hayat Holding A.Ş.

    Kastamonu Entegre Ağaç San. Tic. A.Ş

    Hannaford Turner LLP

    Work highlights

    • Advised a cruise company on the potential purchase of several cruise ports located in different jurisdictions.
    • Advised MSC Shipping SA with respect to an allision incident by MSC Tina Container Ship that occurred in Marport.
    • Advised a global pipe manufacturer regarding a dispute arising from the shipment of goods exported abroad in arbitration proceedings under LMAA.

    NSN Law Firm

    NSN Law Firm has substantive experience in resolving major collisions at sea, groundings, environmental pollutions arising out of casualties, cargo claims and salvage disputes. The team also assists with structuring of ship financing and purchase agreements relating to motorised vessels and yachts. Mehmet Nedret Ünlü focuses on maritime law, air and land transportation. He co-heads the team with Sevilay Kuru who practices maritime law and is involved in structuring standard contracts. Other co-head, Nazli Selek, is involved in handling major casualties.

    Practice head(s):

    Mehmet Nedret Ünlü; Sevilay Kuru; Nazlı Selek

    Testimonials

    ‘A growing and leading law firm in Turkey which is classified among the best.’

    ‘Nazli Selek is professional and friendly.’

    ‘I have been working with NSN LAW for a long time. They have always been careful, professional, give good advice, represent our right and represent us very well. It is very important that they are always accessible and that they treat all files with the same care. They are protective and attentive like a family.’

    ‘Both corporate and professional with an experienced team that can go down to the level of the unit.’

    ‘NSN Law Office has very extensive knowledge about maritime law, with all the aspects of its implementation before courts, execution offices and relevant administrative authorities. The law office has a very pragmatic and creative approach in problem-solving, with a team that is always available to reply with complete and accurate answers to client’s queries in very short deadlines.’

    ‘Attorney Sevilay Kuru is the partner of the firm with a vast experience in maritime law handling various topic including general average, salvage and other maritime law related disputes, with a high level of professionalism and efficiency.’

    ‘They have in depth knowledge on shipping related matters and handling distressed situations. The staffs’ personal involvement and continues work is remarkable.’

    ‘They are hard workers with a very rebuttable name in the shipping community that is an asset in problem solving. Very ethical people with in-depth knowledge of the local and international law.’

    Key clients

    Standard P&I Club

    Ince Shipping

    Besiktas Shipping

    Arifkalkavanoglullari Shipping

    Akbasoglu Shipping

    Statu Shipping

    Omur Marine Ltd

    Metropole Maritime and Trading Ltd Co

    North of England P&I

    British Marine Ltd

    Turk P&I

    GN Group Corporation

    Borusan Logistics

    Karinca Logistics

    Work highlights

    • Represented Saba Marine Ltd. on the sale and purchase process of the private yacht MAVI.
    • Represented Mr. Trond Fredrik Solhaug on the sale and purchase process of the private yacht CUT.

    AKT LAW

    AKT LAW acts on behalf of shipyards, Turkish and foreign ship owners, banks, financing institutions and charterers. The practice does the full range of work from marine and airway to road and railway. Rona Kaspi is experienced in maritime matters and co-heads the team with Ercan Demir, Serra Aksakal and M. Cem Kaspi.

    Practice head(s):

    Rona Kaspi; Serra Aksakal; M. Cem Kaspi; Ercan Demir

    Testimonials

    ‘Great experience with ship building and related financing.’

    ‘Rona Kaspi is a pleasure to work with.’

    ‘AKT has a deep knowledge and understanding of all aspects of asset finance, sale and purchase and other shipping transactions and always finds the most practical solutions to client’s requirements, ensuring a successful completion of the relevant transaction.’

    ‘Partners Rona Kaspi and Serra Aksakal, as well as the firm’s associates, are always on call and ready to revert promptly with the best advice. They go out of their way to accommodate clients’ urgent requirements to ensure smooth proceedings and are commercially oriented.’

    ‘We have been recommended of AKT Law by another attorney, in relation to their expertise on maritime law. We are directly working with Ercan Demir from the law firm, who is a partner there. Therefore, we cannot comment on the team in general. However, we are of the opinion that they are very experienced in maritime law and we can recommend them to third parties in relation to this area of expertise.’

    ‘I have worked with AKT Law Firm team for many years mostly in ship registration and ship finance matters and I can confirm that its strengths lie mainly in their broad knowledge of the subject-matter and their efficiency in carrying out briefs within prescribed deadlines.’

    ‘Rona Kaspi certainly stands out as an experienced, well-respected and highly knowledgeable partner in the field of shipping law.’

    ‘It has indeed also been a pleasure for us to work with the likes of Serra Aksakal.’

    Key clients

    QNB Finansbank A.Ş.

    Tersan Tersanecilik San. ve Tic. A.Ş.

    Sefine Denizcilik Tersanecilik Turizm Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.

    Likit Kimya Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.

    İçdaş Çelik Enerji Tersane ve Ulaşım San. A.Ş.

    Soleil Shipping S.A.

    Batısöke Söke Çimento Sanayii Türk A.Ş.

    Karadeniz Holding

    Sanmar Denizcilik Makina ve Ticaret A.Ş.

    İçdaş Çelik Enerji Tersane ve Ulaşım San. A.Ş.

    UMS Metal Sanayi Mühendislik İnşaat Nakliye İç ve Dış Ticaret Ltd. Şti.

    Thome Ship Management PTE. LTD.

    Romer Hava Taşımacılığı ve Hizmetleri Limited Şirketi

    Denizbank A.Ş.

    Work highlights

    • Advised QNB FİNANSBANK A.Ş. in relation to a complicated cross-border financing and re-financing of a vessel namely “Kappa”.
    • Assisted Tersan Tersanecilik San. ve Tic. A.Ş. with the restructuring of the delivery of a vessel namely “Havila Castor”.
    • Assisted the Batısöke Söke Çimento Sanayii Türk A.Ş. in reaching an Umbrella Agreement with their insurers (based in the USA, represented by Kennedys in London).

    Çakmak Attorney Partnership

    Çakmak Attorney Partnership focuses on the development and financing of infrastructure projects such as motorways, bridges, railroads and metro. On the aviation side, the practice advises defence corporations, engine manufacturers and airline operators on financing structures and leasing. Mesut Çakmak is well-versed in privitisation issues, and co-heads the team with project finance expert, Zeynep Çakmak, in addition to Serap Zuvin and Mustafa Durakoğlu.

    Practice head(s):

    Mesut Çakmak; Zeynep Çakmak; Serap Zuvin; Mustafa Durakoğlu

    Testimonials

    ‘It is a very successful company in its field of expertise. Whatever question we asked, we got detailed answers in return.’

    ‘It has a very meticulous and disciplined team.’

    ‘Mustafa Durakoğlu is experienced in complex projects and project finance matters, including negotiations with governmental entities. He is responsive, punctual and provides sound legal advice. He is very cooperative and easy to work with.’

    Key clients

    ERG Group

    Rönesans Holding

    International Road Union

    China Railway Rolling Stock Corp

    Boeing International Corporation

    Work highlights

    • Advised ERG in relation to the construction of the Ankara – İzmir High-Speed Rail Project.
    • Advised ERG in connection with the financing, construction, operation and maintenance of the Ankara-Niğde Motorway Project.
    • Advised Boeing International Corporation with respect to its ongoing and potential business activities, including corporate structuring and compliance with regulatory requirements applicable to the client in the aviation sector.

    Heuvels Uras

    Heuvels Uras assists shipowners, P&I clubs, underwriters, traders, brokers and seafarers on both contentious and non-contentious matters. This includes preparation of contracts, charterparty disputes, maritime casualties and crew claims. Selin Uras represents banks and shipowners and co-heads the team with Sena Apak who is experienced in project finance matters.

    Practice head(s):

    Selin Uras; Sena Apak

    Testimonials

    ‘The team has very good experience. You are never uninformed while working with team and it makes you confident that you never make decisions uneducated.’

    ‘Whilst one of the smaller practices, they are agile and keen to impress. Hardworking and knowledgeable.’

    ‘Sena Apak is an excellent shipping lawyer, with very good industry knowledge and a professional client manner.’

    ‘They followed the matters closely.’

    ‘Good firm for Turkish matters.’

    ‘Excellent co-operation within the team to the benefit of the clients; deep industry knowledge across different sectors; team is highly responsive.’

    ‘Dedicated and highly experienced team. On time information and advice from Huevels Uras allows us taking better decisions and avoid possible losses.’

    Key clients

    Aygaz A.S.

    Localguards Consulting Ltd.

    Alpagul Denizcilik

    Assuranceforeningen Skuld

    Vestra Ltd.

    PL Ferarri

    Traves LLC

    Ruscon Lim

    Ruscon Limited Trade Development

    Intelligence Allianz Ltd.

    Delft Schiffahrt Gmbh & Co.

    Transal Denizcilik

    Degroma Trading Inc.

    Neriman Associates Sa

    Gard (Uk) Limited

    Thesmarine & Co.

    Phoenix Offshore Srl

    Polembros Shipping Limited

    Northern Shipping Funds

    Warwick Capital Partners

    Brm Uluslararasi Lojistik Ve Ticaret A.S.

    Work highlights

      TILEGAL - TOPDEMIR INANDIOGLU KOMUC LAW OFFICE

      TILEGAL - TOPDEMIR INANDIOGLU KOMUC LAW OFFICE assists shipowners, road, sea and air carriers, H&M insurers and P&I clubs in commercial disputes in all stages of court proceedings. The practice is also well-versed in transportation disputes and ship arrest matters. Savas Inandioglu is experienced in wet and dry shipping matters, and co-heads the team with Cem Topdemir and Nil Tutuncuoglu.

      Practice head(s):

      Savas Inandioglu; Cem Topdemir; Nil Tutuncuoglu

      Testimonials

      ‘Tilegal is reviewing claim files prior to recourse process in order to provide that there is not any inadequacy in documents. We can have their assistance even before we appoint recourse files to the firm.’

      ‘They are also very strong in collection during recourse process.’

      ‘Savas Inandioglu has vast knowledge both in insurance and transport law which enables us to benefit from his knowledge and experience as to both areas in the same time.’

      ‘Nil Tutuncuoglu can provide quick and proper assistance in spite of short notices given.’

      ‘The team has a wide knowledge of transportation mechanics and legal environment. We had a quick turnaround on the matters we needed support and the legal services we have been provided were with high quality.’

      ‘Nil Tutuncuoglu has general knowledge of legal environment in similar jurisdictions and wide legal knowledge and expertise on our cases. She has provided very helpful advice and solutions.’

      Key clients

      HDI Insurance Turkey

      Gulf Insurance Turkey

      Cobantur Boltas

      Axa Insurance Turkey

      Eureko Insurance Turkey

      Allianz Insurance Spain

      ISS Shipping Turkey (Inchcape Shipping Services, UK)

      TERRA HANDELS UND SPEDITIONSGESELLSCHAFT MBH

      Terra Turkey

      ZÜST & BACHMEIER PROJECT GMBH

      Deugro Logistics GmbH

      FEDEX Turkey

      Island Oil Limited

      Bominflot Greece S.A.

      African Mediterranean Shipping S.A.

      Golden Destiny Maritime Company

      Mapfre Insurance Turkey

      Class NK Turkey Branch

      Zurich Insurance Turkey

      Work highlights

      • Advised Port/Terminal Operators Liability and property Insurer of Marport Terminal in Istanbul on a vessel collision and reviewed the draft LoU.
      • Reviewed all General Average Guarantees and filled them for our client HDI Insurance Turkey and Mapfre Insurance Turkey.
      • Reviewed and revised the rescue contract for MY Albina Girl, a yacht insured by our client.