Ersoy Bilgehan Lawyers & Consultants has an expert transportation team in the Turkish market, advising the full range of clients, from P&I clubs and hull and machinery insurers to cargo owners, international law firms and corporate clients. Marine litigation and ship financing are key areas for the team, including charter parties, cargo claims, collisions and criminal proceedings. Leading the practice is Ergün Ersoy, a veteran in PE investments, PPP and the maritime and insurance sectors; Zihni Bilgehan, a specialist in wet shipping mandates; Raci Alper, focused on contracts of carriage, marine insurance and disputes; and Emre Ersoy, a key adviser to owners, charterers and P&I and H&M insurers.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Emre Ersoy shows exceptional knowledge, an approachable style and strong pragmatism. His clear, actionable advice and reliable judgment make him an invaluable and trusted adviser.’
- ‘Raci Alper, Emre Ersoy and Gulsah Akbas provide expert, practical and responsive advice in transport matters, distinguishing themselves through consistent professionalism.’
- ‘Ersoy Bilgehan Lawyers & Consultants has strong transport expertise, offering clear and timely guidance in complex shipping and logistics matters with notable professionalism and responsiveness.’
- ‘They are first-class performers and my preferred firm for all maritime matters in Turkey.’
- ‘Raci Alper and Zihni Bilgehan stand out for unmatched industry knowledge and experience, consistently achieving first-class results.’
- ‘They are easily accessible, highly knowledgeable in the shipping sector and well-connected within the jurisdiction.’
Key clients
- Holman Fenwick Willan LLP
- Willis Towers Watson
- Wk Webster & Co.
- The Shipowners’ Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association
- Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation
- Orient Overseas Container Line Inc.
- Shourai Marine
- MMSL Pte
- Mitsui Simutomo Insurance
- Warstila Finland Oy
- Hiscox Mga
- Aston FFI Suisse
Work highlights
Advising the insurers of the charterers of the vessel YM WITNESS, which was involved in a collision with three shore cranes at Evyap Port.
Representing the shipowners, bareboat charterers, P&I club, H&M insurers of the M/V BENITAMOU in relation to a major collision at Canakkale Strait with M/V BC VANESSA with total claims exceeding €50m.
Advised the operators of Canakkale 1915 Bridge, the world’s longest mid-span suspension bridge, in a €5m claim arising out of a vessel’s collision with the bridge that caused structural damage.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Ergun Ersoy; Zihni Bilgehan; Raci Alper; Emre Ersoy
Other key lawyers
Gulsah Akbas; Eren Ertürk