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A Critical Analysis of the Laws Relating to the Carriage of Goods by Sea: Bangladesh and Türkiye Perspective

Year 2025, Volume: 24 Issue: 2, 1002 - 1015, 29.04.2025

Asm Mahmudul Hasan , Md. Minhajul Abedin Chowdhury , Md Syful Islam

Abstract

Despite its centrality to international trade, maritime law remains a patchwork of uneven regulations across countries. As Bangladesh and Türkiye demonstrate, the carriage of goods by sea is governed by a complex interplay of international conventions and domestic statutes, with varying degrees of protection for both shippers and carriers. While Bangladesh clings to the outdated Hague Rules, favoring carrier interests, Türkiye navigates a more balanced landscape with Hague-Visby and Montreal rules. However, both countries struggle with the potential for conflicting laws when domestic legislation adds another layer to the regulatory mix. The emergence of the Hamburg and Rotterdam Rules, with their emphasis on shipper-carrier equity, offers a glimpse of a fairer future. Yet, their limited ratification demonstrates the reluctance of some developed shipping nations to cede their advantage. This discrepancy highlights the need for developing countries like Bangladesh to consider embracing the modern conventions. Doing so could not only protect their shippers but also simplify dispute resolution and foster legal certainty in a globalized trading environment. Modernizing domestic legislation and dispute resolution mechanisms would further strengthen this position. Ultimately, navigating the legal terrain of the seaway requires understanding the complex interplay of regional nuances and global aspirations. In this context, Bangladesh and Türkiye offer valuable case studies for charting a course towards a more equitable and efficient maritime legal framework. Its originality lies in the focus on the adoption of modern maritime conventions by developing countries, providing a unique perspective on an issue that predominantly affects these nations in the global trade arena.

Keywords

Carriage of goods Shipper Carrier Bangladesh Türkiye

References

  • Al-Marzouqi, M. M. (2018). The documentary scope of the carriage of goods by sea articles under the qatari maritime law and international conventions. International Review of Law, 2018(2), 153-174.
  • Anthony Rogers, J. C., Martin Dockray. (2019). Cases and materials on the carriage of goods by Sea (5th ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429059742
  • Arafat, E., Islam, M. R. (2023). The role of global governance in international trade: The case study of Bangladesh. European Journal of Science, Innovation and Technology, 3(1), 22-53. https://www.ejsit-journal.com/index.php/ejsit/article/view/157
  • Aybay, G., Oral, N. (1998). Türkiye’s authority to regulate passage of vessels through the Turkish straits. Perceptions: Journal of International Affairs, 3(2), 0-0. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/perception/issue/49036/625553
  • Bradgate, R., White, F. (1993). The carriage of goods by sea act 1992. The Modern Law Review, 56(2), 188-207. http://www.jstor.org/stable/1096776
  • Castelein, B., van Duin, R., Geerlings, H. (2019). Identifying dominant stakeholder perspectives on sustainability issues in reefer transportation. A Q-Method study in the port of Rotterdam. Sustainability, 11(12), 3425. https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/11/12/3425
  • Djadjev, I. (2017a). The carrier’s obligations over containerized cargo. In The Obligations of the Carrier Regarding the Cargo: The Hague-Visby Rules (pp. 247-327). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62440-2_5
  • Djadjev, I. (2017b). The carrier’s obligations over the cargo under the Hague-Visby Rules and the Rotterdam Rules. In The Obligations of the Carrier Regarding the Cargo: The Hague-Visby Rules (pp. 31-100). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62440-2_2
  • Donovan, J. J. (1979). The Hamburg Rules: Why a new convention on carriage of goods by sea. Mar. Law., 4, 1. https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/tulmar4&div=6&id=&page=
  • Farah, P. D. (2021). Global values and international trade law (Foreword). Transnational Law and Governance Series, gLAWcal Series, Routledge Publishing (New-York/London), X – XVIII. https://ssrn.com/abstract=3997336
  • Girvin, S. (2019). The carrier’s fundamental duties to cargo under the Hague and Hague-Visby Rules. The Journal of International Maritime Law, 25, 443-462. https://www.lawtext.com/lawtextMedia/media/15/443-462-2.pdf
  • Hasan, A.M. (2025). Global Soft Law Instruments in Public Auditing: The Role of INTOSAI and JURISAI in Shaping Supreme Audit Institutions. TCA Journal/Sayıştay Dergisi, 36 (136), 97-124. https://doi.org/10.52836/sayistay.1601674.
  • Hashmi, S. (2012). The Rotterdam Rules: A blessing? [Article]. Loyola Maritime Law Journal, 10, 227+. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A428093567/AONE?u=anon~b6694d9&sid=googleScholar&xid=54c45458
  • Hussain, M. G., Failler, P., Sarker, S. (2019). Future importance of maritime activities in Bangladesh. Journal of Ocean and Coastal Economics, 6(2), 19. https://doi.org/10.15351/2373-8456.1104
  • Islam, M. (2004). Pressing issues of global free trade in services [Journal Article]. Law in Context, 21(1), 251-282. https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/ielapa.154796446236156
  • Karan, H. (2002). The carrier's liability for breach of the contract of carriage of goods by sea under Turkish Law. Journal of Maritime Law and Commerce, 33, 91. https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/jmlc33&div=10&id=&page=
  • Karan, H. (2011). Any need for a new international instrument on the carriage of goods by sea: The Rotterdam Rules? Journal of Maritime Law and Commerce, 42, 441-451. https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/jmlc42&div=26&id=&page=
  • Kasi, A. (2021). Hague/Hague-Visby Rules: Carriers’ liability and time limitations. In The Law of Carriage of Goods by Sea (pp. 323-362). Springer Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-6793-7_10 Katsivela, M. (2010). Overview of ocean carrier liability exceptions under the Rotterdam Rules and the Hague-Hague/Visby Rules. Revue générale de droit, 40(2), 413-466. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.7202/1026957ar Lubis, T. (2020). Towards a reformed carriage of goods by sea law: Indonesia and global practice. Mulawarman Law Review, 5(1), 61-79. https://doi.org/10.30872/mulrev.v5i1.330
  • Mammadli, G. (2020). Liability issue of the sub-carrier in the carriage of goods by sea. Baku St. UL Rev., 6, 20.
  • Ping-Fat, S. (2021). Carrier's liability under the Hague, Hague-Visby and Hamburg rules. Brill.
  • Rahaman, M. M., Hasan, K. R. (2015). Potential multimodal transport in bangladesh and relative obstacles. Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, 3(4), 241-246. http://www.davidpublisher.com/Public/uploads/Contribute/56404e5b82d04.pdf
  • Rose, F. D. (1996). Cargo risks: “Dangerous” goods. The Cambridge Law Journal, 55(3), 601-613. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0008197300100522
  • Sayed, C. M. A. A., Uddin, C. M. N., Hoque, A. M. (2021). Legal and practical aspects of maritime arbitration in Bangladesh. Annals of the Romanian Society for Cell Biology, 25(7), 2001-2030. http://www.annalsofrscb.ro/index.php/journal/article/view/11229
  • Sefara, A. A. (2016). The structure of carrier’s liability and burden of proof under the United Nations convention on contracts for the international carriage of goods wholly or partly by sea (2009). Australian Journal of Maritime & Ocean Affairs, 8(3), 199-205. https://doi.org/10.1080/18366503.2016.1229647
  • Semenov, A. V. (2022). Particular issues of legal regulation of non-contractual liability in maritime transport. SHS Web Conf., 134, 00115. https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/202213400115
  • Sooksripaisarnkit, P. (2014). Enhancing of carriers’ liabilities in the Rotterdam Rules–Too expensive costs for navigational safety? TransNav: International Journal on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation, 8(2). https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/jmlc42&div=13&id=&page=
  • Sosedová, J., Otáhalová, Z., Dávid, A., Galieriková, A. (2021). Delivery times and delay in delivery of consignment under the conditions of international carriage. Komunikácie, 23(4). https://www.ceeol.com/search/article-detail?id=1120119
  • Sturley, M. F. (2011). General principles of transport law and the Rotterdam Rules. In M. D. Güner-Özbek, The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Carriage of Goods Wholly or Partly by Sea Berlin, Heidelberg.
  • Taşkın, M. (2023). “Owners’ Responsibilities” Clause Of Gencon 2022: An Assessment Under The Hague / Visby Rules, Gencon 94 Charter Party and the Turkish Commercial Code [Gencon 2022 “owners’ responsibilities” klozu: Lahey / visby kuralları, Gencon 94 Çarter Partisi ve Türk Ticaret Kanunu çerçevesinde bir değerlendirme]. İstanbul Medeniyet Üniversitesi Hukuk Fakültesi Dergisi, 8(2), 887-907. https://doi.org/10.58733/imhfd.1358031
  • Yeni, K., Esmer, S. (2021). Regulation of Ports in Türkiye. In M. Eroğlu & M. Finger (Eds.), The Regulation of Turkish Network Industries (pp. 345-364). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-81720-6_17
  • Yılmaz, M. (2021). The Evolution of the Obligation of Seaworthiness from the Hague Rules to the Rotterdam Rules [Lahey Kuralları'ndan Rotterdam Kuralları'na Sefere Elverişlilik Yükümlülüğü'nün Gelişimi]. Selçuk Üniversitesi Hukuk Fakültesi Dergisi, 29(2), 881-912. https://doi.org/10.15337/suhfd.865732

A Critical Analysis of the Laws Relating to the Carriage of Goods by Sea: Bangladesh and Türkiye Perspective

Year 2025, Volume: 24 Issue: 2, 1002 - 1015, 29.04.2025

Asm Mahmudul Hasan , Md. Minhajul Abedin Chowdhury , Md Syful Islam

Abstract

Uluslararası ticaretin merkezinde yer almasına rağmen deniz hukuku hâlen ülkeler arasında yeknesak olmayan, parçalı ve farklı düzeylerde düzenlenmiş kurallar bütünü olarak varlığını sürdürmektedir. Bangladeş ve Türkiye örnekleri, deniz yoluyla eşya taşınmasının, uluslararası sözleşmeler ile iç hukuk normlarının karmaşık bir etkileşimi çerçevesinde düzenlendiğini ve gönderici ile taşıyan lehine sağlanan hukuki korumanın ülkeden ülkeye farklılık gösterdiğini ortaya koymaktadır. Bangladeş, taşıyanın menfaatlerini gözeten ve artık çağın gerisinde kalan Hague Kurallarına bağlı kalırken; Türkiye, Hague-Visby Kuralları ve Montreal Sözleşmesi ile daha dengeli bir düzenlemeye yönelmiştir. Bununla birlikte, her iki ülke de iç hukuk düzenlemelerinin getirdiği ek norm katmanları sebebiyle normlar çatışması riskiyle karşı karşıyadır. Taşıyan ile gönderici arasındaki menfaat dengesini daha açık şekilde gözeten Hamburg ve Rotterdam Kuralları, daha adil ve eşitlikçi bir uluslararası rejim için umut vermektedir. Ancak bu sözleşmelerin sınırlı sayıda ülke tarafından onaylanmış olması, denizcilikte güçlü konumda bulunan bazı gelişmiş ülkelerin mevcut avantajlarını kaybetmeye yönelik isteksizliğini ortaya koymaktadır. Bu fark, Bangladeş gibi gelişmekte olan ülkelerin daha modern konvansiyonlara yönelme gerekliliğini gündeme getirmektedir. Bu tür bir dönüşüm, yalnızca göndericilerin korunmasını değil, aynı zamanda uyuşmazlık çözümünde öngörülebilirliği artırmayı ve küresel ticaret ortamında hukuki belirliliği sağlamayı da mümkün kılacaktır. İç mevzuatın güncellenmesi ve etkin uyuşmazlık çözüm mekanizmalarının benimsenmesi ise bu süreci daha da güçlendirecektir. Sonuç olarak, denizyolu taşımacılığının hukuki çerçevesinde yol alabilmek, bölgesel hukuki farklılıkların küresel normlarla olan etkileşimini derinlemesine anlamayı gerektirir. Bu bağlamda Bangladeş ve Türkiye, daha adil ve etkin bir deniz hukuku sistemine ulaşma noktasında önemli örnekler sunmaktadır. Bu çalışmanın özgün yönü, modern denizcilik sözleşmelerinin gelişmekte olan ülkeler tarafından benimsenmesini ele alması ve bu konunun küresel ticaret sisteminde esasen bu ülkeleri etkileyen bir mesele olduğuna dikkat çekmesidir.

Keywords

Eşya taşınması Gönderici Taşıyan Bangladeş Türkiye

References

  • Al-Marzouqi, M. M. (2018). The documentary scope of the carriage of goods by sea articles under the qatari maritime law and international conventions. International Review of Law, 2018(2), 153-174.
  • Anthony Rogers, J. C., Martin Dockray. (2019). Cases and materials on the carriage of goods by Sea (5th ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429059742
  • Arafat, E., Islam, M. R. (2023). The role of global governance in international trade: The case study of Bangladesh. European Journal of Science, Innovation and Technology, 3(1), 22-53. https://www.ejsit-journal.com/index.php/ejsit/article/view/157
  • Aybay, G., Oral, N. (1998). Türkiye’s authority to regulate passage of vessels through the Turkish straits. Perceptions: Journal of International Affairs, 3(2), 0-0. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/perception/issue/49036/625553
  • Bradgate, R., White, F. (1993). The carriage of goods by sea act 1992. The Modern Law Review, 56(2), 188-207. http://www.jstor.org/stable/1096776
  • Castelein, B., van Duin, R., Geerlings, H. (2019). Identifying dominant stakeholder perspectives on sustainability issues in reefer transportation. A Q-Method study in the port of Rotterdam. Sustainability, 11(12), 3425. https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/11/12/3425
  • Djadjev, I. (2017a). The carrier’s obligations over containerized cargo. In The Obligations of the Carrier Regarding the Cargo: The Hague-Visby Rules (pp. 247-327). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62440-2_5
  • Djadjev, I. (2017b). The carrier’s obligations over the cargo under the Hague-Visby Rules and the Rotterdam Rules. In The Obligations of the Carrier Regarding the Cargo: The Hague-Visby Rules (pp. 31-100). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62440-2_2
  • Donovan, J. J. (1979). The Hamburg Rules: Why a new convention on carriage of goods by sea. Mar. Law., 4, 1. https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/tulmar4&div=6&id=&page=
  • Farah, P. D. (2021). Global values and international trade law (Foreword). Transnational Law and Governance Series, gLAWcal Series, Routledge Publishing (New-York/London), X – XVIII. https://ssrn.com/abstract=3997336
  • Girvin, S. (2019). The carrier’s fundamental duties to cargo under the Hague and Hague-Visby Rules. The Journal of International Maritime Law, 25, 443-462. https://www.lawtext.com/lawtextMedia/media/15/443-462-2.pdf
  • Hasan, A.M. (2025). Global Soft Law Instruments in Public Auditing: The Role of INTOSAI and JURISAI in Shaping Supreme Audit Institutions. TCA Journal/Sayıştay Dergisi, 36 (136), 97-124. https://doi.org/10.52836/sayistay.1601674.
  • Hashmi, S. (2012). The Rotterdam Rules: A blessing? [Article]. Loyola Maritime Law Journal, 10, 227+. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A428093567/AONE?u=anon~b6694d9&sid=googleScholar&xid=54c45458
  • Hussain, M. G., Failler, P., Sarker, S. (2019). Future importance of maritime activities in Bangladesh. Journal of Ocean and Coastal Economics, 6(2), 19. https://doi.org/10.15351/2373-8456.1104
  • Islam, M. (2004). Pressing issues of global free trade in services [Journal Article]. Law in Context, 21(1), 251-282. https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/ielapa.154796446236156
  • Karan, H. (2002). The carrier's liability for breach of the contract of carriage of goods by sea under Turkish Law. Journal of Maritime Law and Commerce, 33, 91. https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/jmlc33&div=10&id=&page=
  • Karan, H. (2011). Any need for a new international instrument on the carriage of goods by sea: The Rotterdam Rules? Journal of Maritime Law and Commerce, 42, 441-451. https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/jmlc42&div=26&id=&page=
  • Kasi, A. (2021). Hague/Hague-Visby Rules: Carriers’ liability and time limitations. In The Law of Carriage of Goods by Sea (pp. 323-362). Springer Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-6793-7_10 Katsivela, M. (2010). Overview of ocean carrier liability exceptions under the Rotterdam Rules and the Hague-Hague/Visby Rules. Revue générale de droit, 40(2), 413-466. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.7202/1026957ar Lubis, T. (2020). Towards a reformed carriage of goods by sea law: Indonesia and global practice. Mulawarman Law Review, 5(1), 61-79. https://doi.org/10.30872/mulrev.v5i1.330
  • Mammadli, G. (2020). Liability issue of the sub-carrier in the carriage of goods by sea. Baku St. UL Rev., 6, 20.
  • Ping-Fat, S. (2021). Carrier's liability under the Hague, Hague-Visby and Hamburg rules. Brill.
  • Rahaman, M. M., Hasan, K. R. (2015). Potential multimodal transport in bangladesh and relative obstacles. Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, 3(4), 241-246. http://www.davidpublisher.com/Public/uploads/Contribute/56404e5b82d04.pdf
  • Rose, F. D. (1996). Cargo risks: “Dangerous” goods. The Cambridge Law Journal, 55(3), 601-613. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0008197300100522
  • Sayed, C. M. A. A., Uddin, C. M. N., Hoque, A. M. (2021). Legal and practical aspects of maritime arbitration in Bangladesh. Annals of the Romanian Society for Cell Biology, 25(7), 2001-2030. http://www.annalsofrscb.ro/index.php/journal/article/view/11229
  • Sefara, A. A. (2016). The structure of carrier’s liability and burden of proof under the United Nations convention on contracts for the international carriage of goods wholly or partly by sea (2009). Australian Journal of Maritime & Ocean Affairs, 8(3), 199-205. https://doi.org/10.1080/18366503.2016.1229647
  • Semenov, A. V. (2022). Particular issues of legal regulation of non-contractual liability in maritime transport. SHS Web Conf., 134, 00115. https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/202213400115
  • Sooksripaisarnkit, P. (2014). Enhancing of carriers’ liabilities in the Rotterdam Rules–Too expensive costs for navigational safety? TransNav: International Journal on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation, 8(2). https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/jmlc42&div=13&id=&page=
  • Sosedová, J., Otáhalová, Z., Dávid, A., Galieriková, A. (2021). Delivery times and delay in delivery of consignment under the conditions of international carriage. Komunikácie, 23(4). https://www.ceeol.com/search/article-detail?id=1120119
  • Sturley, M. F. (2011). General principles of transport law and the Rotterdam Rules. In M. D. Güner-Özbek, The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Carriage of Goods Wholly or Partly by Sea Berlin, Heidelberg.
  • Taşkın, M. (2023). “Owners’ Responsibilities” Clause Of Gencon 2022: An Assessment Under The Hague / Visby Rules, Gencon 94 Charter Party and the Turkish Commercial Code [Gencon 2022 “owners’ responsibilities” klozu: Lahey / visby kuralları, Gencon 94 Çarter Partisi ve Türk Ticaret Kanunu çerçevesinde bir değerlendirme]. İstanbul Medeniyet Üniversitesi Hukuk Fakültesi Dergisi, 8(2), 887-907. https://doi.org/10.58733/imhfd.1358031
  • Yeni, K., Esmer, S. (2021). Regulation of Ports in Türkiye. In M. Eroğlu & M. Finger (Eds.), The Regulation of Turkish Network Industries (pp. 345-364). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-81720-6_17
  • Yılmaz, M. (2021). The Evolution of the Obligation of Seaworthiness from the Hague Rules to the Rotterdam Rules [Lahey Kuralları'ndan Rotterdam Kuralları'na Sefere Elverişlilik Yükümlülüğü'nün Gelişimi]. Selçuk Üniversitesi Hukuk Fakültesi Dergisi, 29(2), 881-912. https://doi.org/10.15337/suhfd.865732
There are 31 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects International Law, Law of International Law
Journal Section Law
Authors

Asm Mahmudul Hasan 0000-0001-8833-5101

Md. Minhajul Abedin Chowdhury 0009-0008-7560-4120

Md Syful Islam 0000-0002-3092-0858

Publication Date April 29, 2025
Submission Date January 25, 2024
Acceptance Date April 21, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 24 Issue: 2

Cite

APA Hasan, A. M., Chowdhury, M. M. A., & Islam, M. S. (2025). A Critical Analysis of the Laws Relating to the Carriage of Goods by Sea: Bangladesh and Türkiye Perspective. Gaziantep Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 24(2), 1002-1015. https://doi.org/10.21547/jss.1425899
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