Admiralty Law and Maritime Commerce

Admiralty Law (also referred to as Maritime Law) is one of the most technical and specialized branches of law, distinguished by its cross-border nature, unique terminology, and reliance on international conventions and maritime customs. In today’s global economy—where a substantial portion of international trade is carried out by sea—disputes arising from maritime activities are resolved within the framework of the Turkish Commercial Code, international conventions, and established principles of admiralty jurisdiction.

As a major port city and one of Turkey’s most important gateways to international trade, İzmir hosts a high volume of maritime and shipping activities. Zengin & Aydın Law Firm, fully aware of this strategic position, provides comprehensive legal solutions for shipowners, carriers, cargo interests, shipping agents, logistics companies, and seafarers. For clients seeking an admiralty law attorney in İzmir, we manage technically complex processes with in-depth knowledge of both domestic legislation and international admiralty law.

Our Services in Admiralty Law

Our office approaches Admiralty Law as an integrated legal discipline encompassing Commercial, Labor, Insurance, and Enforcement aspects, and offers specialized legal services in the following areas:

1. Maritime Trade and Carriage of Goods by Sea

We actively represent clients in disputes arising from maritime commerce and sea carriage.

Freight and Charter Agreements: Drafting and review of Charter Parties and Bills of Lading, and litigation concerning freight and hire claims.
Cargo Damage, Loss, and Delay: Compensation claims arising from damage to, loss of, or delay in delivery of cargo during maritime carriage.
Bills of Lading Disputes: Enforcement of rights arising from bills of lading as negotiable instruments under admiralty principles.
Sale and Financing of Vessels: Legal consultancy regarding ship registry procedures, flag state registration, and vessel financing agreements.

2. Admiralty Labor Law and Seafarers’ Rights

Employment relationships between seafarers and shipowners are governed by the Maritime Labor Act and international maritime standards, rather than general labor legislation.

Seafarers’ Wage and Employment Claims: Recovery of wages, overtime, rest day pay, and leave entitlements.
Severance and Notice Compensation: Claims arising from termination of maritime employment contracts.
Repatriation Rights: Ensuring the seafarer’s return to their home country at the employer’s expense upon termination or expiration of the contract.

In such disputes, the assistance of an experienced admiralty labor law attorney in İzmir is essential to avoid forfeiture of statutory time limits and to ensure accurate calculation of maritime employment receivables.

3. Maritime Casualties and Marine Insurance

(P&I and Hull & Machinery)

Maritime casualties and the liabilities arising therefrom require highly technical assessments and expert evaluations under admiralty law principles.

Collision (Allision): Determination of fault and compensation claims following vessel collisions or contact incidents.
Salvage and Towage: Claims for salvage remuneration arising from the rescue of vessels or cargo in maritime peril.
General Average: Allocation of sacrifices and extraordinary expenses incurred for the common safety of vessel and cargo.
Marine Insurance: Pursuit of indemnity and recourse claims under Hull & Machinery policies and before P&I Clubs (Protection and Indemnity).

4. Admiralty Enforcement and Ship Arrest

In admiralty practice, enforcement measures imposed on vessels constitute the most effective security for maritime creditors.

Maritime Liens and Maritime Claims: Establishment and enforcement of statutory maritime liens and secured maritime claims.
Ship Arrest and Release: Arrest of vessels in port (arrest of ships) and legal procedures for their release through security or guarantees.

As Zengin & Aydın Law Firm, we develop practical, swift, and result-oriented legal strategies tailored to the fast-paced nature of maritime commerce. Protecting our clients’ commercial reputation and financial interests—both before Turkish courts exercising admiralty jurisdiction and in international arbitration proceedings—constitutes our core professional principle.