As part of our 30 Under 30 initiative, we’re celebrating the next generation of leaders shaping the future of the maritime industry. Next up is Berk Bayraktar, Claims Executive at Thomas Miller Claims Management, and a standout emerging talent combining legal expertise, technical knowledge, and an exceptional commitment to client service within the world of P&I insurance.

As a Turkish-qualified lawyer, Berk brings a strong legal foundation to his role handling a broad range of P&I claims, from cargo and personal injury matters to collisions. His work often involves responding to live and unfolding situations where clear judgement, responsiveness, and calm decision-making are essential, supporting insured companies, brokers, and insurers through complex claims.

But what makes Berk stand out is the way he approaches his work. His enthusiasm for shipping and P&I is matched by a genuine commitment to providing an excellent service, something reflected in the unsolicited positive feedback he regularly receives from clients. From recognition for his professional guidance to praise for the speed of his responses, Berk has quickly developed strong relationships with clients, brokers, and other stakeholders.

Over the past year, he has also demonstrated a clear drive to keep developing his technical expertise. Alongside his day-to-day responsibilities, Berk has been working towards the IG P&IQ qualification, achieving impressive results across the modules he has completed so far. More importantly, he actively looks for opportunities to turn that learning into something that benefits the wider team.

One example has been his initiative in arranging a three-month lunch and learn programme with a local law firm, creating opportunities for colleagues to strengthen their knowledge across a range of P&I-related legal topics. Berk has also become a key source of knowledge for the team’s claims handling system, delivering training, preparing guidance, and making himself available to support colleagues whenever questions arise.

That team-first mentality has been particularly valuable during a period of significant change. With staff transitions and new systems creating additional pressure, Berk has consistently stepped forward to take on challenging tasks and support colleagues across all levels of the team. His willingness to share knowledge and help solve problems has made him a trusted and valued colleague.

Berk’s journey has also involved significant personal change. Moving from Turkey to the UK to further his maritime career meant adapting to a new country and professional environment, but he has embraced the opportunity and immersed himself in the maritime community of the North East of England.

At an early stage in his career, Berk is already demonstrating the qualities that make a lasting impact within an organisation: technical curiosity, professionalism, reliability, and a genuine willingness to help those around him succeed. His combination of legal knowledge, passion for P&I, and commitment to both clients and colleagues makes him a standout member of the next generation of maritime professionals.

Take a look at our full 30 here.