Belma Bulut Sahin

Dr. Belma Bulut Sahin serves as a Lecturer at the Essex Law School, University of Essex, based at the Colchester Campus. Her academic profile encompasses specialized teaching in international commercial law and maritime law, with active engagement in doctoral supervision and externally funded research projects addressing critical challenges in global shipping regulation.

Her research portfolio demonstrates deep expertise in evolving maritime legal frameworks, particularly focusing on:

• Regulatory responses to autonomous shipping technology
• Cybersecurity vulnerabilities in maritime operations
• Environmental compliance mechanisms under IMO conventions
• Legal adaptations for digital documentation systems
• EU maritime law harmonization challenges
• Marine insurance innovations for emerging risks

Analysis of her publication history reveals a strategic research trajectory tracking technological disruption in shipping, with increasing emphasis on cyber-physical systems regulation since 2018. Her work consistently bridges theoretical legal analysis with practical industry implementation challenges, particularly regarding the Rotterdam Rules' application in digital trade contexts.

Dr. Sahin currently supervises PhD candidate Ridvan Bagriacik in Law and has secured significant external funding:

• 2025: £120,000 project with Ricardo-AEA Ltd supporting Turkey's maritime decarbonization regulatory framework development
• 2024: £85,000 consultancy with Neti Danismanlik analyzing Turkish transport legislation harmonization with EU acquis