Balcioglu Selçuk Ardiyok Keki has an excellent track record in handling a broad range of work within the maritime sector. The team's client base includes lenders and underwriters, and the group's workload includes claims for damaged cargo, collisions, insurance matters and salvage issues. Gülistan Baltacı Hatay is well versed in handling finance-related work in the shipping space, and co-heads the practice with Semih Sander, who assists ship owners, P&I clubs, and charterers.
Transport in Turkey
Balcioglu Selçuk Ardiyok Keki
Practice head(s):
Gülistan Baltacı Hatay; Semih Sander
Testimonials
‘They really understand the shipping industry and the players in the Turkish market. They also understand secured lending work in this industry.’
Key clients
Mersin Uluslararası Liman İşletmeciliği A.Ş. (Mersin International Port)
Toll Global Forwarding Cooperatief U.A.
Ocean Network Express
DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale
Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation
Catoni Deniz Isleri A.S.
United Brokers Insurance (UIB)
QNB Finansbank A.Ş.
Force Maritime and Trading INC
The Swedish Club
Det Norske Veritas Gemi Sınıflandırma
Karadeniz Holding
Lufthansa Airplus Servicekarten GMHB
Cavic 36 Designated Activity Company
China Eximbank
AVES A.S.
Naturwaren-Niederrhein GmbH
Cavus & Coskunsu Law Firm
Cavus & Coskunsu Law Firm‘s ‘extremely capable‘ team has an excellent reputation for its expertise in handling international shipping cases. Burak Cavus is well versed in assisting with arbitrations in the shipping space; he co-heads the practice with Caglar Coskunsu, who focuses on maritime insurance issues, and Onur Azakli, ‘a highly skilled lawyer and excellent negotiator‘. Onur Oguzgiray brings experience in acting for P&I clubs, ship owners, and underwriters.
Practice head(s):
Burak Gokce Cavus; Caglar Coskunsu; Onur Azakli
Other key lawyers:
Onur Oguzgiray
Testimonials
‘Cavus & Coskunsu Law Firm has a strong balance of legal and commercial acumen. Their specialty in maritime matters is just another great asset. It is especially easy to communicate with both Caglar and Burak. They are able to understand the commercial needs of their clients.’
‘Caglar is a former master mariner and an excellent lawyer who provides swift and solid service. Burak is a great litigator. Onur Oguzgiray is a highly skilled lawyer and excellent negotiator.’
‘The quality of service, the response time, and the attention to detail was excellent.’
‘Caglar Coskunsu is an excellent professional. He responds quickly and offers practical solutions, no matter how simple or complicated the situation is. The advice is straight to the point without exaggerated lengthy legal theory.’
‘The practice stands out for their technical expertise, which is an asset you always want in maritime disputes as the cases are often referred to technical court experts.’
‘The team is extremely capable and skilled. They have the ability to deal with the wide range of maritime casualty claims such as collisions, personnel claims, passenger claims, and cargo claims.’
‘Their ability to handle the most serious, complex and urgent matters is one of a kind.’
‘Burak Cavus, Caglar Coskunsu and Onur Azakli are fantastic to work with. They always deliver an exceptional service for the benefit of the client.’
Key clients
Assuranceforeningen Skuld
Desird Design – Emre Kazan
Fibabank A.S.
Iskenderun Shipping
Gard AS
Hydor AS
Scot Tankers
Norwegian Hull Club
Seadar Shipmanagement S.A.
The American Club / Eagle Ocean Maritime
The London P&I Club
WeShips Denizcilik
Thomas Miller Speciality
The Swedish Club
West of England
Work highlights
- Advising Desird Design on all aspects of the building of a yacht marina in Yeni Foca Izmir.
- Advising Iskenderun Shipping on the purchase of eleven ships for USD 140m.
Ersoy Bilgehan Lawyers & Consultants
Ersoy Bilgehan Lawyers & Consultants is home to a solid shipping practice, which is sought after by insurance companies to advise on salvage claims, contamination claims, and collisions. The client base includes P&I clubs, charterers, shipyards, ship owners, and financing institutions. The team is also adept at handling administrative and criminal proceedings within the maritime sector. Ergün Ersoy, Zihni Bilgehan, Raci Alper and Emre Ersoy are the key practitioners.
Practice head(s):
Ergun Ersoy; Zihni Bilgehan; Raci Alper; Emre Ersoy
Testimonials
‘The team at Ersoy Bilgehan places clients at the forefront of their practice. They take the time to listen to their clients’ needs, concerns, and objectives. This client-centered approach ensures that every legal strategy is tailored to meet the specific goals of the individuals and businesses they represent.’
‘I am pleased to provide a wholehearted recommendation for Emre Ersoy, an outstanding lawyer whose expertise and dedication have consistently impressed me.’
‘Emre is an exceptionally knowledgeable and skilled attorney with a keen understanding of the legal intricacies in Türkiye. He has demonstrated a remarkable ability to analyze complex legal issues, develop sound strategies, and provide practical solutions.’
‘This law firm has excellent team members and is one of the firm’s leading in maritime sector.’
‘What truly sets Emre apart is his unwavering commitment to his clients. His excellent communication skills allow him to explain legal concepts clearly, making even the most complex matters understandable to his clients.’
‘They are an established law office with very talented young lawyers following in the footsteps of the founders. They are a very dependable practice for maritime law.’
‘Emre Ersoy is a very committed and talented young lawyer.’
‘The team go above and beyond to strive to reach the desired outcome of any matter.’
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
Warstila Finland Oy
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.
Evergreen Marine (Taiwan) Ltd
Frontline Shipping Company
DNV
American Bureau of Shipping
Oldendorff Carriers
CMA CGM
Drydocks World
Norwegian Cruise Line
Apollo Underwriting
Subsea 7
The Britannia Steam Ship Insurance Association Limited
If P&C Insurance Ltd
NorthStandard
Gebrüder Weiss GMBH
Doun Kisen Co Ltd.
Draco Buren Shipping Pte Ltd
SIAT – Societa Italiana Assicurazioni E Riassicurazioni
Thomas Miller Specialty
London Syndicate Underwriters as Reinsurers Of Eregli Demir Celik Fabrikalari A.S.
BB Energy Trading Limited
Eimskipafélag Íslands hf.
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
- Representing the owners, charterers and insurers of M/V BENITAMOU in proceedings relating to a major collision incident that occurred in Turkish waters.
- Assisted the charterers of a container vessel that ran aground with a USD 200 million claim.
- Representing multiple container lines in a number of disputes arising out of the earthquakes and subsequent fire that occurred at Iskenderun Port.
Erçin Bilgin Bektasoglu
The ‘dedicated‘ and ‘knowledgeable‘ team at Erçin Bilgin Bektasoglu fields expertise in maritime and aviation law, and handles a wide spectrum of transport law matters. The client base includes P&I clubs, large shipyards, cargo underwriters, and airlines. Burcu Çelikçapa-Bilgin is active on work in the road, rail, shipping, and freight forwarding sectors, and co-heads the practice with Feyzi Ercin and ship finance expert Dilek Bektaşoğlu-Sanlı. Aslihan Asman is a practitioner to note.
Practice head(s):
Feyzi Erçin; Burcu Çelikçapa Bilgin; Dilek Bektaşoğlu Sanlı
Other key lawyers:
Aslihan Asman
Testimonials
‘The team consists of very good and dedicated lawyers.’
‘They are dedicated and responsible. They are also good at following up on their cases.’
‘The firm is well-known for its maritime law knowledge.’
‘The lawyers always go the extra mile for the client.’
‘They are knowledgeable and extremely responsive. The advice is always concise and grasps the client’s commercial needs.’
‘In addition to an excellent understanding of Turkish Maritime law, the team at Erçin Bilgin Bektasoglu are commercially minded problem solvers.’
‘Aslihan Asman has excellent attention to detail. He’s commercial and responsive. Whether dealing with a dry shipping matter or a marine casualty, I would highly recommend Aslihan and the team at Erçin Bilgin Bektasoglu.’
‘Aslihan Asman is a top-notch lawyer.’
Key clients
The North of England P&I Association Limited (Former)
NorthStandard Limited
Hill Dickinson LLP
West of England Insurance Services (Luxembourg) S.A.
China P & I Services (Hong Kong) Ltd.
Sisecam Chemicals Resources LLC
Etihad Aviation Group
Holman Fenwick Willan
TGS Yer Hizmetleri A.S.
Riyadh Air
Martyn Fiddler
Foley & Lardner LLP
Bremer Lloyd Logistics GmbH & Co. KG
Avestra Chemical DMCC
DSV Insurance A/S
MAN Energy Solutions
Mangelbert O.Ü.
Lebuhn & Puchta
Dr. Schackow & Partner Rechtsanwälte PartG mbB
Çakmak Attorney Partnership
The team at Çakmak Attorney Partnership is known for its capabilities in aviation law, and is sought after by international aircraft carriers, airline operators, and engine manufacturers. The group is also noted for its expertise in advising on the development and financing of major infrastructure projects in the transport sector. The practice is led by the quartet of aviation finance expert Serap Zuvin, Mesut Çakmak, Zeynep Çakmak, and Mustafa Durakoğlu.
Practice head(s):
Mesut Çakmak; Zeynep Çakmak; Serap Zuvin; Mustafa Durakoğlu
Key clients
ERG Group
Rönesans Holding
International Road Union
China Railway Rolling Stock Corp (“CRRC”)
Algonquin Aviation LLC
Engine Lease Finance Corporation (“ELFC”)
Boeing International Corporation
Work highlights
- Acting as counsel to Boeing International Corporation on ongoing business activities in the jurisdiction.
ESENYEL & PARTNERS Lawyers and Consultants
ESENYEL & PARTNERS Lawyers and Consultants focuses predominantly on maritime and shipping matters, and has a solid track record in handling charterparty disputes, insurance claims, ship arrest matters, and collision issues. Selcuk Esenyel specialises in maritime law and regularly acts for cargo insurers, shipowners, and P&I clubs; he co-heads the practice with Turker Yildirim.
Practice head(s):
Selcuk Esenyel; Turker Yildirim
Key clients
Aves Enerji Yag Ve Gida San. A.S.
Akbasoglu Holding A.S.
Niketya Shipping And Trading Inc.
Cunda Denizcilik Ticaret Ltd. Sti.
Dabkovic Deniz Acentaligi Nakliyat Ve Ticaret A.S./Inchcape Shipping Services Deniz Acenteligi Nakliyat Ve Ticaret A.S.
Kuzey Star Shipyard Denizcilik Sanayi Ticaret A.S.
Kuzey Star Shipyard Denizcilik Sanayi Ticaret A.S.
TURK P&I CLUB
Dani Navigation
Hicri Ercili Deniz Nakliyat Kimyevi Maddeler Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi
Inal Law Office
At Inal Law Office, the team has established strength in shipping finance, and is equally strong in handling shipbuilding and repairs, cargo claims, pollution and environmental issues, and dispute resolution. Seyma Inal acts for national and international transport sector clients in financing matters, M&A deals, and litigation, among other areas. Inal co-heads the practice with Memil Sarısozen, who has experience in advising on the registration and management of ships.
Practice head(s):
Şeyma Inal; Memil Sarısözen
Key clients
Agribio S.R.L
Atlantic Forwarding Group
Atlantic Speditions Uluslararası Taşımacılık A.Ş.
Enka Construction and Development B.V. (Enka Group)
Hayat Holding A.Ş.
International Road Transportation Union (IRU)
Kastamonu Entegre Ağaç San. Tic. A.Ş
Lionspirit Holdings Inc.
MSC Shipping SA
Sarp Havacılık Lojistik Turizm Sanayi ve A.Ş.
Stem Shipping Greece/Optimal International Shipping
Superlit Boru Sanayi A.Ş.
Terminal Investment Limited Sarl
Advokatfirmaet Schjødt AS
Bohonnon Law Firm LLC
Clyde & Co LLP
Cox & Company Maritime and Aviation Law
Ganado Services Limited
Hannaford Turner LLP
Holman Fenwick Willan
Landolfi Commercial Law Firm
Wikborg Rein LLP
Willkie Farr & Gallagher (UK) LLP
NSN Law Firm
Viewed as ‘one the leading law firms in maritime law’, NSN Law Firm is active on a broad range of shipping matters, including ship financing and insurance claims. Nazlı Selek is well versed in advising on issues concerning casualties, and co-heads the practice with Mehmet Nedret Ünlü and Sevilay Kuru. Ece Melike Yüce is a name to note.
Practice head(s):
Mehmet Nedret Ünlü; Nazlı Selek; Sevilay Kuru
Other key lawyers:
Ece Melike Yüce
Testimonials
‘They are professional and experienced.’
‘NSN law firm is one the leading law firms in maritime law with a wide range of practice including salvage, general average and dispute settlement related to third party claims directed against the shipowners.’
‘Sevilay Kuru has extensive experience in all aspects of maritime law. She is always ready to go the extra mile in order to find a solution acceptable for its client.’
‘They are a tight knit team of highly engaged and committed experts in the Turkish maritime sector. They deliver high-quality advice and representation in shipping and insurance matters.’
‘They are a responsive law firm with good shipping lawyers.’
‘Nazli Selek is a tremendous lawyer with extensive knowledge of shipping law. She has a very good insight of the maritime business. She’s committed to her clients, has a pragmatical approach, and is a pleasant to work with.’
‘Ece Melike Yüce stands out for her promptness and efficiency.’
‘They are a very professional team. They are swift to respond and give attention to urgent matters.’
Key clients
NorthStandard P and I Club
Ince Shipping
Besiktas Shipping
Arifkalkavanogullari Shipping
Akbasoglu Shipping
Statu Shipping
Omur Marine Ltd
Metropole Maritime and Trading Ltd. Co.
British Marine Ltd.
Turk P and I
GN Group Corporation
Borusan Logistics
Karinca Logistics
Work highlights
- Represented a shipping company in the sale and purchase of a vessel.
AKT LAW
AKT LAW is well known for handling the full spectrum of maritime law matters. The team is often instructed in cases involving shipbuilding contracts, cargo claims, ship finance, and the purchase and sale of vessels. Rona Kaspi has extensive experience in advising on shipping-focused transactions, and co-heads the practice with Serra Aksakal. Melek Başak Aldı fields expertise in insurance claims.
Practice head(s):
Rona Kaspi; Serra Aksakal
Other key lawyers:
Melek Başak Aldı
Testimonials
‘They are specialists in shipping and ship building. They are efficient and easy to work with.’
‘Rona Kaspi is experienced and solution oriented.’
‘Basak Aldi has great communication skills. With a keen eye for detail and an in-depth understanding of ship finance, she has been instrumental in ensuring the smooth execution of a complex transaction.’
‘They are knowledgeable and competent.’
‘They stand out for their outstanding legal knowledge, steadfast professionalism, and dedication to their clients. With a thorough understanding of the law, their team of highly qualified attorneys is able to offer their customers comprehensive legal solutions.’
‘Rona Kaspi is a senior lawyer with good experience in the shipping sector.’
‘AKT Law is a Turkish shipping law firm. They have very good contacts among Turkish shipyards. They work effectively with overseas counsel on cross-border matters.’
Key clients
Gelibolu Gemi İnşaat San. ve Tic. A.Ş.
Beşiktaş Tersane A.Ş.
Sefine Denizcilik Tersanecilik Turizm San. ve Tic. A.Ş.
İçdaş Çelik Enerji Tersane ve Ulaşım Sanayi A.Ş.
Nassau Maritime Holdings DAC / Reed Smith LLP
MRC Mercan Holding Limited
Sanmar Denizcilik Makina ve Tic. A.Ş.
Garanti Bankası A.Ş.
Tersan Tersanecilik San. ve Tic. A.Ş.
Shahin Maritime Co.
UMS Metal Sanayi Mühendislik İnşaat Nakliye İç ve Dış Ticaret Ltd. Şti.
İçdaş Çelik Enerji Tersane ve Ulaşım San. A.Ş.
Hat-San Gemi İnşaa Bakım Onarım Deniz Nakl. San. ve Tic. A.Ş.
Yalova Pilotaj A.Ş.
Karadeniz Holding
Cemre Marin Endüstri A.Ş.
Çeliktrans Deniz İnşaat Ltd. Şti.
Arena Denizcilik A.Ş.
Most Denizcilik Çevre Hiz. San. ve Tic. A.Ş.
Armona Denizcilik A.Ş.
Batı Söke Çimento San. Türk. A.Ş.
Anka Brokerage Lojistik A.Ş.
Uzmar Uzmanlar Den. Tic. ve San. Ltd. Şti
Art Reklamcılık Tasarım Hizmetleri Sanayi ve Ticaret Ltd. Şti.
İstanbul Gübre Sanayii A.Ş.
Likit Kimya Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.
Safi Katı Yakıt Sanayii ve Ticaret A.Ş
Thome Ship Management PTE. LTD.
Denizbank A.Ş.
Work highlights
- Assisted a freight and cargo service company with the purchase of a vessel.
- Advised Sefine Shipyard in connection with a building contract for a floating dock.
- Assisted Tersan Tersanecilik San. ve Tic. A.Ş. with its shipbuilding contract.
Gür Law Firm
Led by Tevfik Adnan Gür, the maritime practice at Gür Law Firm is well versed in handling the full remit of contentious and non-contentious maritime work. The team is adept at assisting with domestic and international matters, and regularly acts for cargo owners, P&I clubs, underwriters, and shipyards.
Practice head(s):
Tevfik Adnan Gür
Testimonials
‘One of the most well-established firms for shipping and transport in Istanbul.’
‘The team stands out for its experience.’
‘The lawyers of the firm are well-versed in the field of maritime transportation and international maritime law.’
‘They are very experienced and well-connected in different areas of business, especially marine and transportation.’
‘They are a team of professionals with considerable combined experience in different legal areas.’
Key clients
Ingosstrakh Insurance Company
Bosphorus Shipping Agency
Evergreen Lines Turkey
HFW
Kalimbassieris Ltd.
Work highlights
- Acted for Ingosstrakh Insurance Company Ltd on an insurance claim arising out of a collision between two vessels.
- Acted for Ingosstrakh Insurance Company on an insurance claim arising out of damage to an airplane.
- Acted for Ingosstrakh Insurance Company on a salvage claim.
Heuvels Uras
Heuvels Uras' team stands out for its 'solid legal knowledge coupled with commercial acumen and knowledge of the market'. The group advises domestic and international clients on ship finance and mortgages, insurance claims, and yacht sales, among other matters. Selin Uras regularly acts for shipowners, insurance companies, and shipyards; she co-heads the practice with Sena Apak.
Practice head(s):
Selin Uras; Sena Apak
Testimonials
‘They have a distinctively good understanding of the market.’
‘Excellent boutique law firm. Solid legal knowledge coupled with commercial acumen and knowledge of the market.’
‘Sena Apak is an outstanding lawyer. She is very knowledgeable and commercially oriented lawyer.’
‘Heuvels Uras team always demonstrates their superb knowledge of all up-to date and new regulations.’
‘They have standout partners who are knowledgeable and approachable.’
‘Selin Uras is one of the strongest lawyers in the region. She has great knowledge of the law and people in the industry.’
This is an outstanding team of lawyers.’
Key clients
Aygaz A.S.
Localguards Consulting Ltd.
Assuranceforeningen Skuld (Gjensidig)
Vestra Ltd.
Pl Ferrari
Traves LLC
Turk P&I
Thesmarine & Co.
Gard (UK) Limited
Filhet-Allard Maritime
HelvetiaAssurances
Coral Energy
Ruscon Limited Trade Development
MARINE REPAIR AND SUPPLY PTE LTD
Intelligence Allianz Ltd.
Trading Solutions Ltd.
Delft Schiffahrt Gmbh & Co.
Degroma Trading Inc.
Neriman Associates Sa
Northern Shipping Funds
Warwick Capital Partners
Brm Uluslararasi Lojistik Ve Ticaret A.S.
Alpagul Denizcilik
Marine Montero Ltd
SIA “BonCrew”
Sea Brokers Agency
TILEGAL - TOPDEMIR INANDIOGLU KOMUC LAW OFFICE
TILEGAL - TOPDEMIR INANDIOGLU KOMUC LAW OFFICE is highly regarded for its ‘wide and extensive knowledge of transportation law and industry’, and has substantive experience in acting for freight forwarding companies, ship owners, insurance companies, and logistics entities in work. The practice is led by the triumvirate of Savas Inandioglu, Cem Topdemir and Nil Tutuncuoglu, who is well known for handling insurance issues for aviation, railway, and shipping sector clients.
Practice head(s):
Savas Inandioglu; Cem Topdemir; Nil Tutuncuoglu
Testimonials
‘The team has a wide and extensive knowledge of transportation law and industry.’
‘The firm is well-known and appreciated in the transport industry.’
‘Nil Tutuncuoglu handles everything from common theft of cargo to the arrest of vessels. The advice and services provided were always outstanding.’
‘This law firm truly stands out due to its distinctive blend of expertise, client-centricity, and innovative approaches. Their strengths lie in problem-solving, deep industry knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to client success.’
‘Nil Tütüncüoğlu and Savaş İnandıoğlu are outstanding.’
‘They know the law very well and they are also commercially minded.’
Key clients
HDI Insurance Turkey
Gulf Insurance Turkey
Cobantur Boltas Transport
Axa Insurance Turkey
Eureko Insurance Turkey
Allianz Insurance Spain
Sekavin SA
Northsea Shipping & Management S.A
Shipoil Ltd
ISS Shipping Turkey (Inchcape Shipping Services, UK)
TERRA HANDELS UND SPEDITIONSGESELLSCHAFT MBH
Terra Turkey
FEDEX Turkey
Island Oil Limited
Bominflot Greece S.A.
African Mediterranean Shipping S.A.
Mapfre Insurance Turkey
Class NK Turkey Branch
Zurich Insurance Turkey
Euroins Insurance Jsc
Gatsby Enterprises Ltd
Negmar Shipping SA
Work highlights
- Acted for Mapfre Insurance Turkey regarding hull damage sustained during a collision with a pier.
- Acted for HDI Insurance Turkey and Mapfre Insurance Turkey concerning cargo damage due to fire.