ASTREA CVBA is entrusted by a host of domestic and international transport sector clients – including shipping agents, stevedores and long-established corporations – owing to the breadth of its expertise in advisory and contentious work. Testament to its transport and maritime law acumen, the department has considerable experience in matters of ship leasing, cargo damage and collisions, to name a few key focus areas. Marc Van Looveren is proficient in commodity trading work, logistics and shipping matters; he also represents domestic and multinational companies in cargo claims, as well as ship and bunker arrests. Ruud De Houwer variously assists his clients with wreck removals, carrier’s liability and collision mandates.
Industry focus: Transport in Belgium
ASTREA CVBA
Practice head(s):
Marc Van Looveren
Other key lawyers:
Ruud De Houwer
Testimonials
‘A strong, well-experienced transport and trade team. Impressive clients, skilled lawyers, and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Marc Van Looveren is smart, and combines a pragmatic approach with thorough legal skills and knowledge.’
‘The team is easy to access and responds quickly. They handle complex matters in the field of transportation, and they are also involved in logistics contract negotiations.’
‘Ruud de Houwer is very clever and nice to work with. Marc Van Looveren has in-depth knowledge about the logistics market.’
‘Marc Van Looveren is excellent, and highly knowledgeable with respect to vessel arrests.’
‘Excellent knowledge about the transport industry and able to give very practical advice on contracts and permit related matters. Quick to respond and good availability.’
‘I have worked with Marc Van Looveren for many years now and his advice is very precise, timely and helpful, displaying several options how to move forward.’
Key clients
Skuld P&I
Standard Club P&I
Belgian Federal Government – Department of Transport and Mobility
Belgian Federal Government – Department of Health and the Environment
Saga Welco
Maxeon – SunPower
Einride AB
Dole GmbH
Maersk
Spliethof, Transfennica
Fast Forward Freight
Crystal Cruises
Katoen Natie Group
Van Es Group
Noord Natie Holding
SCUA Belgium
Lukoil Benelux BV
Topoil AB
Heros Sluiskil BV
Saga Welco
U.K. Club
Cargill
Arcadia Commodities Trading
LIEBHERR
Marincon
Steelforce
Work highlights
- Assisted the federal government in their claim of over €3.5 million in oil cleaning and spill prevention costs, as well as contesting the shipowner’s claim of over 15 million euros for removal of the wreck of mv.
- Assisted the owners of the mv. “Athens Star”, a chemicals tanker, following the collision of this vessel with port infrastructure at ExxonMobil’s terminal in the Port of Antwerp in January 2019.
Allen & Overy LLP
Allen & Overy LLP’s multidisciplinary practice is well-equipped to assist operators, authorities and financial institutions on a spectrum of matters, including aviation-related contracts, financing and leasing deals, as well as liability and environmental issues. The department also serves as preferred counsel for a significant range of clients including ship-owners, banks and export credit agencies. Filip Tanghe frequently advises on the financial aspects of PPP projects, including maritime, port, rail and road ventures. Fee Goossens is noted for her extensive experience in permits compliance, planning regulations, and contaminated sites. Werner Eyskens left the practice to join Crowell & Moring in June 2022.
Practice head(s):
Filip Tanghe
Other key lawyers:
Fee Goossens
Key clients
European Investment Bank
Besix Group
Rebel Group
Lineas
I4B
Work highlights
- Assisted The European Investment Bank on its financing of the Oosterweel Connection infrastructure project.
- Assisted Besix Group, Rebel Group and I4B (which together have formed a consortium) on one of the largest domestic Belgian road infrastructure projects, a major infrastructure development that seeks to develop and extend the R4 ring road in Ghent.
- Assisted Lineas, the largest private rail freight operator in Europe, with a sale-and-leaseback transaction.
Ambos
Ambos is well-equipped to assist domestic and multinational companies with a broad array of matters, from cargo claims and accidents to booking problems. The team is increasingly engaged by domestic postal service companies and major retailers for assistance with the legal aspects of parcel delivery. Present secretary-general of the Belgian Maritime Law Association, practice chair Ingrid Van Clemen is reputed for her expertise in maritime litigation – particularly in relation to cargo claims. Philippe Van Dijck serves as the main contact for the Ministry of Transport, and is active in a number of other areas including port labour, the sale of ships and super yachts, and piracy claims.
Practice head(s):
Ingrid Van Clemen
Other key lawyers:
Philippe Van Dijck
Testimonials
‘High quality advice for reasonable tariffs and a willingness to accept input from client on strategy.’
‘Ingrid Van Clemen is a highly experienced lawyer with great analytical skills. If required, advice can be provided at very short notice. Lawyers are able to process complex information in short timeframes.’
Key clients
Grimaldi Lines
Eurochem
Stukwerkers NV
Port Authority Ghent
Compagnie Belge de Manutention
Lalemant
Belgian P & I
MSC PSA Terminal
DP World Antwerp
Silk Ways Airlines
Belgian Government – department of Transport & Mobility
Flemish Government – Pilot department
GWM Surveys
Antwerp Shipping Federation (ASF – ASV)
Europe Cargo / Euro Nordic / Seabow
Solvay
Delhaize
Sea tank Terminal
CH Robinson
SW Trucking
Steder Group
ARtrans Spedizion
Deutsche Afrika Linien
Agronual
Work highlights
- Represented LHS 4 Baltic Light in a large claim concerning damage to cargo.
- Advised Agronual on transport permits under Belgian law.
- Advised Deutsche Afrika Linien on a case with lost Bills of Lading.
Leeward
Sought out by clients for its capabilities in risk assessment and contract drafting, Leeward’s boutique practice regularly assists the Belgian government in social dumping and cross-border social fraud cases. More broadly, the department works with clients on a host of matters, including marine transport claims, the building of vessels, and mergers of transport companies. Transport and logistics market veteran Lino Verbeke chairs the department alongside Armin Wintein – proficient in customs and excise – and Jeroen Villé, who is knowledgeable with regard to warehousing, import and export, and logistics services.
Practice head(s):
Jeroen Villé; Armin Wintein; Lino Verbeke
Testimonials
‘Excellent lawyers, who know the market and clients very well, they are easy to contact and great to work with. Swift responses, great value for money. Their work is high quality and to the point.’
‘Jeroen Vilee and Armin Wintein are easy going and fun to be around. We have worked with them quite a lot over the past year, and they have always delivered.’
‘Jeroen Vilee is very knowledgeable and a great lawyer who understands the market and industry. Pragmatic with a fine legal view on the matter.’
Key clients
bpost
ECS
Greenyard
International Car Operators
Lineas
Kreiss
Vos Logistics
Autohero (Auto1)
Railtraxx
RV Trans
Flexport
Work highlights
- Advised an internationally listed public company regarding the application of the Belgian transport regulations on their transport activities.
- Assessed and monitored the various transport risks to which leading transport companies are exposed and the way their deal with these transport risks.
- Acted as counsel for several internationally leading transport companies in criminal proceedings related to social dumping.
Deloitte
The team at Deloitte serves as advisor to – among others – a number of public bodies, and is highly experienced in legislative drafting and the navigation of regulatory frameworks and decision-making. The team is also noted for its work with clients in the ports and shipping sector, most recently in relation to complex corporate reorganisations. Public and administrative strategies concerning PPPs – at the domestic, pan-European and multinational level – are also core areas of expertise for the team. Kathleen De Hornois, an expert in public law, leads the department with Marc Van tieghem and Tim Baart, both of whom are proficient in corporate transactions.
Practice head(s):
Kathleen De hornois ; Marc Van tieghem; Tim Baart
Testimonials
‘Responsive and communicative with clients. The team works well together.’
Key clients
Vlaamse Waterweg (Flemish Waterway – the Flemish inland waterway authority, previously Waterwegen en Zeekanaal and De Scheepvaart)
NMBS / SNCB (Belgian railway company)
Vlaamse overheid – Departement Mobiliteit en Openbare Werken (Flemish Government – Department of Mobility and Public Works)
Agentschap voor Maritieme Dienstverlening en Kust (Flemish Agency for Maritime and Coastal Services, Flemish Government)
VLAIO (Flemish Agency for Innovation & Entrepreneurship)
European Commission – Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support (DG REFORM)
Port of Oostende
Work highlights
- Assisted VLAIO (Flemish Agency for Innovation & Entrepreneurship) to providing solutions that make it possible to facilitate trade with the UK.
- Advised the Flemish Government regarding passenger transport and its implementation in law.
- Assisted in studies for the European Commission regarding traffic management, maritime spatial planning, and the reform of the regional ports governance system in Greece.
DLA Piper
DLA Piper is well-versed in a range of transport matters, advising clients from the worlds of shipping, rail and, in particular, aviation – assisting with respect to regulatory matters related to both national and international air law. Corporate reorganisations, EU regulatory reviews, and public-private partnerships are further areas of expertise for the team. Noted for his knowledge of railway and infrastructure matters, Bob Martens regularly appears before a range of courts, including the Council of State and the General Court of the European Union. Ilse Van de Mierop is proficient in liquidations and restructurings, while Nicolas Engelmann, a new arrival from Deloitte Legal, works with various domestic maritime clients, including dredging and engineering companies.
Practice head(s):
Bob Martens; Ilse Van de Mierop; Nicolas Engelmann
Key clients
Skeyes (formerly Belgocontrol)
Sabena (in bankruptcy)
Sabena Aerospace Engineering SA / SABCA (Orizio Group)
Consortia TM COTU & TM ROCO
Scania Belgium NV/SA
Tesla
Katoen Natie
SkeyDrone
BD myShopi / BD Smart Logistics
Emirates
Fastned
Flying Group
Gates Distribution Center NV
SNCB/NMBS
TriplePoint Capital
Work highlights
- Represented skeyes (previously Belgocontrol), the Belgian air navigation and air traffic service provider, in various proceedings by airlines, airports and other companies in the aviation industry following strikes and absences for medical reasons by air traffic controllers, causing the Belgian airspace to be closed on several occasions.
- Acted for the largest consortia of contractors in Belgium (consortium TM COTU and consortium TM ROCO) in relation to the Oosterweel Link, the major European transport link in the Antwerp region and the largest road transport project in the European Transport Network (ETN).
- Assisted Tesla – at an international level – with a wide range of operational queries.
ITL Attorneys
ITL Attorneys’s boutique practice works with logistics service providers, insurers, and transport companies on a host of matters including criminal fraud claims, cargo claims, and commercial disputes. Frederik Vanden Bogaerde has extensive experience before the European Court of Justice and Court of Cassation, while Vincent Van Der Mast oversees all transport related tax cases that the practice takes on. Mathias Dendievel advises his clients on regulatory issues, and often assists shipping companies in the drafting of their transport contracts.
Practice head(s):
Frederik Vanden Bogaerde; Vincent Van der Mast; Mathias Dendievel
Testimonials
‘A direct approach; they know the transport industry very well. They are always ready to help where possible.’
‘Matthias Dendievel has great client communications skills and a deep understanding of the whole range of transport legislation. He is an invaluable contact.’
‘The team has an understanding of the complex issues of clients who have multiple operations is various countries and how local legislation may mean that a ‘one size fits all’ approach does not work. They are also highly skilled in areas of complex transport legislation.’
Work highlights
K&L Gates GP
With a strong focus on airport, aviation and transport matters, K&L Gates GP handles the full spectrum of transport work – including road, rail, and aviation – ranging from commercial operations support to public procurement matters. Recent engagements have seen the department advising a diverse mix of clients on the implications of the European Commission’s ‘Fit for 55’ policy package. Mélanie Bruneau advises clients on EU and French regulatory issues, as well as complex contractual arrangements, while Antoine de Rohan Chabot assists clients in EU regulatory matters relating to aviation, transport and energy. Other key names to note include Philip Torbøl and counsel Miguel Angel Caramello Alvarez, both of whom are recommended for their competition and regulatory expertise.
Practice head(s):
Philip Torbøl; Melanie Bruneau; Miguel Ángel Caramello Alvarez; Antoine de Rohan Chabot
Key clients
World Fuel Services
Multi Service Tolls
Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko, a. s. (ZSSK)
APL Logistics
Jota Aviation
John Bean Technologies (JBT)
HeliService
Kamann
Work highlights
Kennedys
Underpinned by its wider global network, the team at Kennedys possesses extensive knowledge across the logistics, road, and freight and cargo sectors. The team frequently acts for major transportation companies and their insurers, assisting clients in recoveries for cargo claims across air, land and sea. With over 25 years of experience in the aviation sector, Dimitri de Bournonville is adept in aircraft purchase, financings, and commercial transactions, while Dries Deschuttere oversees the handling of claims related to delayed or cancelled flights.
Practice head(s):
Dimitri de Bournonville
Other key lawyers:
Dries Deschuttere
Testimonials
‘Dimitri de Bournonville remains a key figure in the market. He combines strong expertise in litigation, regulatory and commercial matters in the transport sector.’
‘A great team led by Dimitri de Bournonville, with great knowledge of the sector.’
‘Kennedys has managed to build a solid reputation in the transportation sector thanks to its strong expertise in both aviation and logistics.’
Key clients
AIG
Air Belgium
Air Transport Services Group
ASL Airlines Belgium
ASL Aviation Group
Atkins
Aviabel
Aviapartner
AXA
CAL Cargo Airlines
Challenge Airlines Group
Charles Taylor Adjusting
Canopius
Dantec
Delvag
DHL
Emirates
Etihad Airways
Fedex / TNT Express
Finnair
Girteka
Global Aerospace
HungaroControl
JP Ryan
LOT Polish Airlines
Luxair
Macquarie Air Finance
Marsh
Norddeutsche Landesbank
RV Transport
Ryanair
Silversea
SI INSURANCE (Europe)
Swiss International Airlines
Swissport Cargo Services
Thai Airways
Vueling
Work highlights
- Advised US investment fund Quad C in relation to the contemplated acquisition of a group specialised in the transport of cargo and documents on a global basis.
- Represented JP Ryan, an Irish based road transportation and logistics company, and its insurer in a litigation before the Ghent courts in a dispute in relation to an alleged non-compliance in the load delivered to the claimant.
- Acted for CV Starr as lead insurers in the defence of multiple cargo claims against Air Belgium and CMA CGM for intercontinental transportation of cargo.
Liedekerke
Working in conjunction with a number of departments on cross-disciplinary mandates, Liedekerke frequently assists clients on a range of transport law matters. The team’s breadth of expertise encompasses rail, maritime, and aviation law, where the team works closely with a host of airlines, road haulage companies, and shipping entities, both domestically and internationally. The team is headed up by Jean Pierre Kesteloot, a highly experienced lawyer whose considerable workload regularly includes shipping, road carriage and insurance matters.
Practice head(s):
Jean Pierre Kesteloot
Testimonials
‘They are legal experts and very pragmatic; they make themselves available. They make sure their output is useful based on the needs of the client.’
‘They study the matters very well, and they are always available, even in case of an emergency during the weekend.’
Key clients
DHL International
Iberia Lineas Aereas de Espana
NMBS / SNCB
Uber
BCA Europe Transport Solutions
Axis Specialty (former Aviabel)
Brussels Airlines
Sonaca
Attitrade
Work highlights
- Assisted Brussels Airlines in legal proceedings before the French-speaking Enterprise Court of Brussels against its former component support service provider, Sabena Aerospace Engineering, as a consequence of the contract termination amidst the Covid crisis.
- Represented Iberia in court in relation to a claim by a travel agent regarding the recovery of compensations the travel agent paid out to customers over various years as a result of different incidents on Iberia flights.
- Advised and assisted SNCB (National Railway in Belgium) in several matters in the past months, amongst others in relation to various commercial contracts and providing an opinion on the accessibility of the new SNCB vending machines/automats in the framework of a contract.
Lydian
Lydian is well-equipped to assist clients with the domestic aspects of shipping and transport matters, and is particularly reputed for its expertise in port projects, including logistics outsourcing and brand-new developments. The practice is commonly engaged for the drafting of logistics contracts and warehouse agreements, and regularly advises clients on multimodal transport agreements. Dispute resolution and arbitration are further areas of expertise for the team. Yves Lenders routinely acts as a trusted advisor on contentious and non-contentious matters, including shareholder disputes, construction disputes, and post-acquisition litigation. Pieter-Jan Van Mierlo regularly acts for clients in complex damages claims.
Practice head(s):
Yves Lenders
Other key lawyers:
Pieter-Jan Van Mierlo
Key clients
Lineas
De Lijn
STIB-MIVB
Water-link OV
Kerry Logistics Network Limited – TCI Freight Forwarding Co. LTD
Belgium Rail Solutions SA
Cardo Construct Railwaylogistics BVBA
Combinant NV
Puratos NV
Work highlights
- Assisted Lineas NV in a variety of cases such as the derailment of a freight train at Sinaai, the damaging of a high-speed train and the damages suffered by Infrabel.
- Assisted Water-link OV to recuperate important damages suffered as a result of two inland vessels colliding on the “Albertkanaal” at the location of the train bridge in Herentals-Lier.
- Assisted Combinant NV following a derailment of Hupac NV owned wagon operated by Railtraxx NV on its private railway infrastructure hub in the Antwerp port, before the link with the public railway system of Infrabel.