Shipping heavyweight Ersoy Bilgehan Lawyers & Consultants is a destination practice for marine-related litigation, where it excels in representing insurers, shipowners, charterers and other parties in complex disputes. The group has also recently undertaken cases involving the energy and wider transport spheres. The department is co-led by a quartet of shipping specialists: managing partner Zihni Bilgehan; seasoned senior partner Ergün Ersoy; Mehmet Raci Alper, who has an emphasis on insurance litigation; and Emre Ersoy.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Ersoy Bilgehan stands out through its commitment to personalised service, innovative approaches to law practice, and a team that embraces diversity and technology. Its dedication to transparency in billing and willingness to adapt to clients' preferences sets it apart in an industry often criticised for opacity.’
‘I am pleased to provide a wholehearted recommendation for Emre Ersoy, an outstanding lawyer whose expertise and dedication consistently impress me. Emre's attention to detail and meticulous approach to his work are truly commendable. He leaves no stone unturned in his pursuit of legal excellence.’
‘Excellent knowledge of Turkish shipping/admiralty practise while handling a salvage claim.’
‘We value the team for its proactivity and goal-oriented approach.’
‘Zihni Bilgehan is simply the shipping lawyer to go to in Turkey where there is a cross-border element between UK and Turkish law. A highly accomplished and very impressive lawyer, who combines razor-sharp legal acumen without losing sight of the commercial picture and the best possible end result for the client.’
‘I have been dealing with Emre Ersoy and Murat Aka on a couple of cases; they are both prompt and provide clear details and clarifications with all the points addressed.’
‘EB is the "go-to" maritime practice in Turkey. Lawyers have longstanding and deep maritime expertise; that means that when you work with them, you can be sure you are getting the very best.’
‘Zihni Bilgehan and Mehmet Raci Alper are exceptional. They are knowledgeable, commercial and extremely easy to work with.’
Key clients
- Aston FFI Suisse
- DVB Bank
- Sidra Maritime
- TT Club
- Mars Logistics S.A.R.L.
- Eksportfinansiering Norge
- Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co.
- DNV
- Oldendorff Carriers
- CMA CGM
- Hapag Lloyd AG
- Ulusoy Holding A.S.
- Gesbey Enerji Turbini Ve Kule Uretim San. Tic. A.S.
- The Britannia Steam Ship Insurance Association
- If P&C Insurance
- Doun Kisen Co
- Siat – Societa Italiana Assicurazioni E Riassicurazioni
- Thomas Miller Specialty
- London Syndicate Underwriters as Reinsurers of Eregli Demir Celik Fabrikalari A.S.
- BB Energy Trading
- Vitruvian Fund Sicav
- Orient Overseas Container Line
- Turk P&I Insurance As
- Synergas Srl
- Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)
- AP Moller Maersk
- K Line Pte
- Japan P&I Club
- TMS Bulkers
- Arcadia Hellas
- Kalimbassieris Maritime
- Cosco Shipping
- Eren Holding A.S.
- West Of England (P&I) Club
- Steamship Mutual (P&I) Club
- The Swedish Club
- Uk Mutual (P&I) Club
- Gard P&I Club
- Genel Denizcilik Nakliyati A.S.
- Ekol Lojistik A.S.
- Clyde & Co.
- Holman Fenwick Willan LLP
- Willis Towers Watson
- Wk Webster & Co.
- The Shipowners’ Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association
- Fina Holding A.S.
- Warstila Finland Oy
- Allianz Versicherung Ag
- Hiscox Mga
- Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation
- NorthStandard
- Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group
- Gebrüder Weiss GmbH
- Apollo Underwriting
- Evergreen Marine (Taiwan)
- Arkas Holding
- Eimskipafélag Íslands hf
Work highlights
- Representing the owners, charterers and insurers of M/V BENITAMOU in administrative, civil and criminal proceedings in relation to a major collision incident which occurred in Turkish waters, valued at more than $50m.
- Representing the insurers of a vessel in a $5m claim, which arose in relation to the vessel’s insurance policy and the coverage issues concerning the same.
- Representing the owners, charterers and insurers of M/V ORIENTAL LOTUS in civil proceedings relating to a collision incident which occurred while the vessel was berthed at the port in Israel.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Ergun Ersoy, Zihni Bilgehan, Mehmet Raci Alper, Emre Ersoy