Chartering a Vessel in or out of Turkey? Legal Support Comes First

In today’s fast-moving world of logistics and shipping, chartering a vessel can create new opportunities for manufacturers, exporters, and project developers. But chartering is not just about moving goods. It is a serious legal commitment that must be handled with clear contracts and proper legal checks to avoid risks.

At Bayraktar Attorneys, we support our clients at every stage of the chartering process by drafting, reviewing, and negotiating the key legal documents.

We also assist in identifying reliable, experienced chartering service providers that meet your specific operational needs, while our legal oversight ensures your position is fully protected.

Understanding Chartering Agreements

A chartering agreement, or charter party, is a legally binding contract between the vessel owner and the party chartering the ship. The most common types include:

• Voyage charter – The vessel is hired for a single voyage

• Time charter – The vessel is hired for a specific time period

• Bareboat charter – The vessel is leased without crew or supplies

Each type involves different legal responsibilities, such as who is liable for delays, fuel costs, crew wages, port fees, and damage.

Key Legal Risks in Chartering

Whether you're moving raw materials, project cargo, or equipment, failing to secure proper legal protections in the chartering contract can expose your business to serious risks:

1. Ambiguous Laytime and Demurrage Clauses

Delays at port can trigger financial penalties. A poorly drafted contract can leave you liable for demurrage charges even when delays were out of your control.

2. Unclear Dispute Resolution Terms

Many chartering contracts default to international arbitration bodies. If you do not choose a clear forum and applicable law, disputes can be costly and difficult to resolve.

3. Cargo Liability and Insurance Confusion

It must be clear who carries the responsibility if the cargo is lost or damaged during the voyage. Insurance clauses must be specifically structured for your shipment type and route.

4. Chartering from Unverified Operators

A vessel may appear operational on paper but lack valid classification, proper insurance, or updated licenses. Due diligence is essential before entering into any agreement.

Legal Services We Provide for Chartering Clients

Bayraktar Attorneys provides comprehensive legal support in the maritime and logistics sector, including:

• Review and drafting of charter party agreements (BIMCO formats and custom contracts)

• Due diligence on vessel owners or charterers, including ownership and flag details

• Structuring cargo insurance, liability clauses, and performance guarantees

• Negotiating force majeure, indemnity, and termination clauses

• Drafting arbitration and jurisdiction clauses to minimize dispute costs

• Advising on regulatory compliance under Turkish Maritime Law

Whether you're a Turkish exporter or a foreign entity using Turkish ports, we ensure your legal framework is secure before a single container is loaded.

Finding Reliable Chartering Services

One of the most common questions we hear is:
"Can you help us find a reliable chartering firm?"

The answer is yes. While we do not operate as brokers, our extensive experience in the maritime sector allows us to guide our clients toward chartering firms that have demonstrated professionalism and reliability in past collaborations.

By combining strong legal protection with trusted operational partnerships, our clients enjoy a smoother and more secure chartering experience.

Who We Work With

We assist a wide range of clients in Türkiye and abroad, including:

• Bulk commodity exporters and traders

• Construction and energy firms with offshore transport needs

• Investors and logistics firms seeking secure shipping arrangements

• Multinational companies needing local legal support for chartering Turkish-flagged vessels or using Turkish ports

Conclusion: Secure the Contract Before the Cargo

Chartering may appear to be a purely operational decision, but in reality, your profit or loss often depends on the fine print of your contract. Having an attorney by your side not only protects you but also gives you the confidence to charter smartly and securely.

If you are planning to charter a vessel or need legal advice about your current maritime agreements, Bayraktar Attorneys is here to support you every step of the way. We help with everything from setting up the contract to connecting you with trusted chartering professionals.

Contact us today to begin your legally protected chartering process.