The 8th International Congress on Maritime and Admiralty Law in Istanbul addresses key maritime law issues, including shipping contracts and pollution.
Istanbul is hosting the 8th International Congress on Maritime and Admiralty Law, which brings together academics, legal experts, and representatives from the maritime sector. The congress, organized by Prof. Dr. Pınar Akan, commenced on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Millennium Istanbul Golden Horn Hotel.
The two-day congress, titled 'Current Issues in International Maritime and Admiralty Law VIII,' addresses topics such as marine insurance, risks in the Strait of Hormuz, charter party agreements, decarbonization in maritime transport, marine pollution, and international maritime regulations.
International maritime representatives at the opening
According to the congress program, the opening speakers include organizer Prof. Dr. Pınar Akan, BIMCO President Giorgios Deligianni, Lockton Omni Honorary President Aret Taşçıyan, General Director of Coastal Safety Mustafa Bankaoğlu, and Deputy Minister of Justice Can Tuncay.
Strait of Hormuz and marine insurance on the agenda
On the first day of the congress, a session moderated by Prof. Rhidian Thomas from Swansea University features James Bean, CEO of the London P&I Club, discussing insurability, predictability, and collective protection in maritime liability.
Ben Johnson from the UK P&I Club addresses the legal and insurance issues that may arise if the international waterway in the Strait of Hormuz becomes a high-risk area.
Patrik Del Mestre from The Swedish Club discusses ghost ships and silent ship transfers, while Ali Özen from Lockton Omni focuses on the challenges posed by damages originating from the Black Sea in marine insurance.
Carbon emissions in shipping and charter party agreements
In the second session of the first day, academics and industry representatives from Spain, Switzerland, Italy, and Turkey will present their insights.
The program evaluates legal issues surrounding autonomous ports, carbon capture and storage technologies in maritime transport, the legal dimensions of electric pleasure boats, and the legal responsibilities of the lessee in charter party agreements.
Congress continues on October 16
On the second day of the congress, topics such as electronic cargo documents, container demurrage and detention fees, customs disputes, the application of IMO conventions to non-member states, and liability arising from oil pollution in the Strait of Hormuz will be discussed.
Additionally, legal disputes related to maritime transport activities in the Eastern Mediterranean and the limitation of liability in maritime claims will also be on the agenda of the sessions.
The congress will conclude after the sessions held on Friday, October 16.
Organization of the congress
The organizing committee of the congress includes Prof. Dr. Pınar Akan, Dr. Funda Özdin, Dr. Cansu Çakan Çavuş, and Dr. Bercin Kuzu.
The announced program for the event also features the logos of Marmara University, various maritime organizations, and industry companies.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
