The Istanbul Bar Association's Maritime Law Commission held a symposium on April 11, 2026, addressing key maritime transportation legal issues.
IMEAK Chamber of Shipping Assembly Hall, April 11, 2026 — The symposium organized by the Istanbul Bar Association's Maritime Law Commission brought together academics and professionals to discuss current legal issues in maritime transportation.
Opening: Speech by Commission President Attorney Türker Yıldırım
The opening speech of the symposium was delivered by Attorney Türker Yıldırım, President of the Executive Board of the Istanbul Bar Association's Maritime Law Commission. Yıldırım emphasized that the legal issues related to maritime transportation remain relevant in the face of the dynamic structure of international trade and stated that the Commission would continue its work in this field without interruption.
I. Session: The Impact of State of Emergency and War Risk on Transportation Contracts
The first session, chaired by Prof. Dr. Pınar Akan from Marmara University, addressed the reflections of current geopolitical tensions on maritime transportation contracts.
The Impact of War on Freight Contracts
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gülfer Meriç from Özyeğin University presented a paper titled 'The Impact of War on Freight Contracts: Conceptual Framework, Legal Regulations, and Current Issues,' in which she evaluated the effects of war risk on the performance of freight contracts within the framework of legislative regulations and current issues arising in practice.
The Impact of Closing the Strait of Hormuz on Voyage Charter Contracts
Dr. Banu Bozkurt from Antalya University, in her presentation titled 'The Impact of Iran's Closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Voyage Charter Contracts,' examined the fate of voyage charter contracts in the event of the strait being closed to navigation, considering the concepts of impossibility of performance and deviation.
II. Session: Legal Issues Arising from Charter Contracts and Their Evaluation
The second session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Samim Ünan from Piri Reis University. The session focused on disputes arising from charter contracts and the issues of carrier liability within the framework of Supreme Court precedents.
Current Issues Regarding the Exercise of the Right of Lien
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aslıhan Sevinç Kuyucu from Istanbul University comprehensively addressed current discussions regarding the exercise of the carrier's right of lien; the legal nature of the right, its conditions, and the problems encountered in practice formed the focus of her presentation.
Carrier Liability in Delivery Without Presentation of Bill of Lading
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kübra Yetiş Şamlı from Istanbul University, in her paper titled 'Carrier Liability in Delivery Without Presentation of Bill of Lading and Supreme Court Practice,' analyzed the legal consequences of delivery made without the presentation of the bill of lading, which is a valuable document, in the context of Supreme Court decisions.
The symposium concluded after a question-and-answer session. Thanks were extended to all those who contributed to the organization of the event, especially Commission President Attorney Türker Yıldırım and Commission Secretary Nil Tütüncüoğlu, LL.M., as well as to the esteemed colleagues who participated, expressing the hope to come together again at a similar academic gathering in the near future.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
