Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Industry focus: Transport

The team at Eubelius has a robust offering in the PPP space, routinely receiving instructions from major corporate entities and public sector bodies alike.
Traditionally strong in maritime and rail transport matters, GDS Advocaten now handles a broad spectrum of aviation sector work, led by International Aviation Women’s Association co-founder Mia Wouters.
Quadrant was established in January 2022. Founding partner Dirk Noels is the key name to note.

Industry focus: Transport in Belgium

ASTREA CVBA

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.

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.