Critical Maritime Law Symposium by the Istanbul Bar Association

The symposium, organized by the Istanbul Bar Association Maritime Law Commission, brought together academics and legal professionals to discuss current legal issues in maritime transport.

The symposium, organized by the Istanbul Bar Association Maritime Law Commission, brought together academics and legal professionals to discuss current legal issues in maritime transport.

Opening: Speech by Commission Chair Atty. Türker Yıldırım

The opening speech of the symposium was delivered by Atty. Türker Yıldırım, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Istanbul Bar Association Maritime Law Commission. In his speech, Yıldırım emphasized that legal issues related to maritime transport maintain their relevance in the face of the dynamic nature of international trade and stated that the Commission will continue its work in this field without interruption.

Session I: The Impact of Extraordinary State and War Risk on the Contract of Carriage

In the first session, chaired by Prof. Dr. Pınar Akan, a faculty member at Marmara University, the reflections of current geopolitical tensions on maritime carriage contracts were discussed.

The Impact of War on the Freight Contract

In her presentation titled “The Impact of War on the Freight Contract: Conceptual Framework, Legal Regulations, and Current Issues” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gülfer Meriç from Özyeğin University 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 Charters

Dr. Banu Bozkurt from Antalya University, in her presentation titled “The Impact of Iran Closing 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, in light of the legal doctrines of impossibility of performance and deviation.

Session II: Legal Issues and Evaluations Arising from Charter Contracts

The second session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Samim Ünan from Piri Reis University. During the session, issues regarding disputes arising from charter contracts and the liability of the carrier within the framework of Court of Cassation precedents were examined.

Current Issues Regarding the Exercise of the Right of Retention

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aslıhan Sevinç Kuyucu from Istanbul University comprehensively addressed the current debates regarding the carrier’s exercise of the right of retention (lien); the legal nature of the right, its conditions, and the problems encountered in practice formed the focus of the presentation.

Liability of the Carrier in Delivery Without Presentation of Bill of Lading

In her presentation titled “Liability of the Carrier in the Delivery of Goods Without Presentation of Bill of Lading and Court of Cassation Practice” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kübra Yetiş Şamlı from Istanbul University analyzed the legal consequences of delivery made without the presentation of the bill of lading, which is a negotiable instrument, centered around Court of Cassation decisions.

Closing

The symposium concluded after a Q&A session. Gratitude was expressed to everyone who contributed to the organization of the event, particularly Commission Chair Atty. Türker Yıldırım and Commission Secretary General Nil Tütüncüoğlu, LL.M., as well as to the esteemed colleagues who attended. The hope of gathering again for a similar academic meeting as soon as possible was shared.

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