AKD
has a broad transport practice which covers the shipping, aviation, road and logistics sectors, among others. It has notable experience in cross-border litigation and has a strong track record in shipping collisions and marine accidents. The team is headed up by veteran shipping litigator Haco van der Houven van Oordt
and Jan Kromhout, who is recommended for transactional and contracts work in the offshore, oil and gas, and shipping industries. Annemieke Spijker is a name to note for international logistics contracts.
Transport in Netherlands
AKD
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Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘AKD’s transport team is the most hands-on team in the Netherlands’.
‘A highly flexible team that is always accessible and available to provide to-the-point legal assistance’.
‘The team is characterised by their market knowledge and practice-oriented solutions’.
‘Annemieke Spijker is our first port of call for transport-related cases in the Netherlands’.
‘Haco van der Houven van Oordt is a top practitioner with international recognition’.
‘AKD’s transport team are not only easy to deal with but reliably efficient and always provide solid practical advice’.
‘A highly skilled team of professionals, that never fail to deliver’.
‘Responsive, result driven and legal excellence are a few words that describe the AKD transport team’.
Key clients
Royal Boskalis
Maersk Line
Samskip
Gard
North of England
TT Club
Skuld
The Swedish Club
APM Terminals
ECT Hutchinson Ports
Royal IHC
Royal Huisman Shipyard
Nationale Nederlanden
AIG
Royal Philips
Work highlights
- Assisted seven charterers of feeder vessels in multiple actions initiated by labour unions about lashing activities.
- Represented the owners and insurers of the Stolt Commitment in multiple legal actions relating to the collision with the Thorco Cloud.
- Advising a Dutch bank on a multi-million euro cross-border ship (re)financing deal.
Clifford Chance
Clifford Chance is known in the market for its shipping and aviation finance expertise. It acts for a broad range of clients, including car importers, shipping companies, airlines, regulators, brokers and financiers. As a fully integrated notarial practice, the team is well placed to handle asset finance transactions. Hein Tonnaer leads the practice and combines his knowledge of aviation, shipping and export finance to advise banks, lenders and sponsors on a range of transactional matters. Counsel Mike Niekoop is a name to note for leveraged finance and corporate lending work, and is active in cross-border financing matters.
Practice head(s):
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Key clients
BBAM Aircraft Management LP
BOC Aviation Limited
Falko Regional Aircraft Limited
Macquarie Aircraft Leasing Services (Ireland) Ltd.
Milestone Aviation Group Limited
JP Lease Products & Services Co., Ltd.
SMBC Aviation Capital Limited
ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij N.V. (KLM Royal Dutch Airlines)
Transavia Airlines C.V.
BNP Paribas and NTT Finance Corporation
Weststar Europe B.V.
CMS
CMS has a broad offering which draws on strength from its public procurement, competition, corporate, regulatory, employment and IP practitioners. It has niche expertise in mobility as a service mandates and also handles shipping, automotive and public transportation work. The team is headed up by Petra Heemskerk and Herman Boersen; Heemskerk is recommended for procurement matters and Boersen focuses on corporate and international tax issues.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Good knowledge of the automotive sector and they really understand our business and our challenges’.
‘What we very much appreciate is that the CMS team is always available’.
‘They deliver good quality and they are capable of meeting tight deadlines’.
Key clients
All Nippon Airways (ANA)
Boluda Towage
Port of Rotterdam
Trevvel
BIOS Personenvervoer
Qbuzz
NS (Dutch Railways)
Transvision
Unibarge Holding
Qatar Airways
Einride
Strukton Rail
BAM Rail
RCI Financial Services (Renault Finance)
Opel Vauxhall Finance
Pon Holdings
Work highlights
- Assisted Unibarge Holding with the sale of a Bunkering and Trading company.
- Representing ANA in follow-on damages proceedings resulting from the Air Cargo case.
- Advised Spanish shipping and tug boat group Boluda Towage on the acquisition of Iskes Towage & Salvage.
NautaDutilh
NautaDutilh draws on strength from its regulatory, corporate, commercial and financial practitioners to assist shipping, aviation and other transport clients with a range of contentious and advisory matters. Erik Geerling is recommended for leasing work, restructurings, mortgage transactions and ship finance deals. Kasper Krzeminski is a name to note for cross-border disputes, including arbitration and litigation proceedings, while Teun Struycken handles restructuring and insolvency work, secured transactions, and asset finance and asset based lending mandates internationally. Jolize Lautenbach deals with public law work and regulatory compliance issues.
Practice head(s):
Erik Geerling; Kasper Krzeminski; Teun Struycken; Jolize Lautenbach
Testimonials
‘Transparent communication and practical approach’.
‘This is the top shipping finance team in The Netherlands’.
‘Erik Geerling is very experienced and commercial in his approach’.
‘Nauta is always solution minded and they never make things more complicated than they are’.
‘Taking full responsibility of the project and making it happen’.
‘Working with Nauta is always a pleasure, they are always open for “extracurricular” questions outside of project and any time’.
‘Always pro-active, thinking along the process and very accommodating’.
‘What makes Nauta stand out is their full commitment to projects they are involved in’.
Key clients
ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
Acta Marine
Anthony Veder Group N.V.
Atlas Air
Carisbrooke Shipping
Chemship
Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A.
Damen Ship Lease Holding
Damen Shipyards
Deme Offshore
Danish Shipfinance
EasyJet plc
Fincantieri S.p.A
GVB (municipal public transport company of Amsterdam)
ING Bank N.V.
Jumbo Heavy Lift Company
Maas Capital
MPC Container Ships ASA
Nesec Shipping Debt Fund B.V.
NIBC Bank N.V.
TUIfly
Van Weelde Shipping Group
Vertom
Work highlights
- Representing easyJet in litigation before the highest administrative court (the Industry and Trades Appeal Tribunal) in aviation matters against the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), in which the ACM has approved an airport charges system set by Amsterdam Airport Schiphol for 2019-2022.
- Assisting NIBC Bank N.V. in relation to the financing of the instalment of Ballast Water Treatment Systems.
- Representing GVB during the renewal of its in-house public transport concession.
Van Traa Advocaten
Rotterdam-based boutique firm Van Traa Advocaten handles a broad range of domestic and international matters in the rail, road, aviation, shipping and logistics sectors, among others. Practice head Leendert van Hee has considerable experience in dry shipping, road transport and logistics matters, and acts for insurers and businesses. Vincent Pool handles litigation and advisory work, while Robert Pessers is recommended for contentious and regulatory matters. Richard Latten often acts for German and Austrian transportation companies and their underwriters, and Jolien Kruit focuses on dry shipping mandates.
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Testimonials
‘Strong capabilities in international economic law, especially in transport and warehouse-related contractual matters’.
‘Professional and spot-on presentation of Dutch Civil Code matters for non-Dutch lawyers’.
‘Exceptional and solution-oriented advice, often on short notice’.
‘They know the law, the market and are very good negotiators’.
‘In any single case they deal with, they come up with a comprehensive assessment that includes the pros and cons of the possible next steps to take’.
‘Leading experts in the world of trade, transportation and logistics, and insurance and liability’.
‘Great team with a lot of knowledge on trade and transport law’.
‘We have a long partnership with Van Traa due to their understanding of our industry and their personal engagement’.
Work highlights
- Assisted several Dutch underwriters in the general average process, following the stranding of the ‘Ever Given’ in the Suez Canal.
- Assisting various leading airlines (Dutch and international) with Covid-19 related issues: advising on various contractual issues that arose as a result of the pandemic and the affect it had on airlines (force majeure, pricing, termination etc.).
- Advising a globally active manufacturer of plastic crates for the consolidation of fruit, vegetables and other perishables on a contract dispute with two rail carriers.
Cox Ten Bruggencate Advocaten
Cox Ten Bruggencate Advocaten has notable experience in a broad range of transport areas, including aviation, shipping, logistics and international trade. It handles advisory matters, as well as contentious issues which are often resolved through arbitration, mediation and alternative dispute resolution methods. On the non-contentious side, it advises clients on international logistics contracts. The team is jointly led by Carlijn Ten Bruggencate and Joeri Cox, with Cox recommended for logistics matters and damages claims.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
MS Amlin
Nationale Nederlanden
Axa XL
HDI
AIG
DMI
Allianz
Aon
Marsh
Loyens & Loeff
Loyens & Loeff has a strong track record in ship finance work, acting for banks, ship owners and operators in relation to the acquisition of a broad range of vessels. Ehsan Shirzadi is a key name to note for transportation finance and energy transition projects, and he is experienced in general secured financing transactions.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
ING Bank N.V.
ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A.
Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation
LCI (Lease Corporation International) Aviation
De Poli Tankers Holding B.V.
Arklow Shipping UC
Braskem Netherlands B.V.
Vertom UCS Holding B.V.
Star Clippers
Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright has a strong focus on shipping and aviation finance work, and also handles transport-related M&A, rail finance issues and tax structuring matters. The practice has notable experience in export credit agency (ECA) backed financings and often handles international mandates, with particular experience in Latin America. It acts for banks, ship owners and leasing companies on a range of asset finance matters. Wouter Hertzberger heads up the team and is well versed in structured finance transactions and restructuring matters.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Dedicated and specialised team with background knowledge in required areas’.
‘As a client you feel at home with this firm because they care about your interests and do what they promise’.
‘The team of NRF cares about you and the specific problems you encounter’.
‘They act as a moderating party where required without losing your interests’.
‘They are able to quickly adapt, even with difficult foreign parties, to bring everybody to a good result’.
Key clients
De Staat der Nederlanden
TCG fund
ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
ING Bank N.V.
Rabobank
ICTSI
Volga-Dnepr Group
Aerovias de Mexico
Altea
The Boeing Company
Macquarie Rotorcraft Leasing
Waypoint Leasing Limited
China Aircraft Leasing Company
Stena Line Limited
SMBC Aviation Capital Limited
Carlyle Aviation Partners
Apollo Aviation Group
BBAM
BNP Paribas
HES Hartel Tank Terminal B.V.
I.M.P. Group
Nordic Aviation company
Ocean Rig UDW Inc.
PAL Aerospace
Technip
CAE
UK Export Finance
Work highlights
- Providing regulatory advice to AeroMexico in connection with (i) the utilisation of AeroMexico’s rights under the bilateral air transport agreement between The Netherlands and Mexico, as amended by the air services agreement between the EU and Mexico, (ii) code sharing under EU rules and regulations and (iii) certain custom matters.
- Advising long standing client ICTSI on multiple areas.
- Advising The State of The Netherlands on the public procurement for the acquisition of a new government aircraft.
Ploum
The transport and logistics team at Rotterdam-based Ploum draws on strength from its corporate, IT, banking and employment offerings to provide advice around regulations, litigation and international trade matters. Jikke Biermasz is experienced in transport law, customs law, anti-dumping issues and trade-regulatory law; Marijn van Tuijl acts for carriers, terminals, warehousing companies and insurers on compliance and disputes; and Albert Wiggers is recommended for transport-related M&A.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Ploum has a highly skilled, professional and experienced team in all areas of the logistics sector’.
‘Marijn van Tuijl understands the sector, provides practical and understandable advice and listens carefully to his clients’.
‘Jikke Biermasz and Marijn van Tuijl are always open for discussions; they are well known experts in their fields’.
‘Collaboration is easy and fast’.
‘The team does not bore you with pages long memos when asking a question but really supports in finding a practical answer or solution’.
‘Very well connected in the market, good knowledge of key players and dedicated to their work’.
‘Well-balanced team, excellent service, able to combine agility with a firm stand when needed’.
‘High level of knowledge, willing to share that knowledge and able to put it in perspective’.
Key clients
Wintershall Noordzee
Base Logistics
Peinemann
AIG
DSV
Customs Support Group
Hutchison Ports Europe
Matrans
Maersk
Portbase
APM Terminals
Marlow Navigation
Sea-Cargo
Nedcargo
Work highlights
- Representing DSV in injunction proceedings under logistic services contracts.
- Advised APM Terminals on the sale of one of its terminals in Rotterdam seaport to Hutchison Ports.
- Advised Customs Support Group on more than 10 acquisitions of customs brokering businesses throughout Europe.
Smallegange N.V.
Boutique transport specialist Smallegange N.V. handles insurance and maritime issues from its Rotterdam base. Its client roster includes shipping companies, road carriers, freight forwarders, insurers and P&I clubs. Jan Van Der Stelt draws on his experience in deep-sea sailing to advise on collision cases and salvage matters; Julian Van De Velde is recommended for cargo claims and insurance disputes; Willem Boonk handles international trade matters and disputes; and Robert Hoepel has considerable experience in international shipping litigation.
Practice head(s):
Jan Van Der Stelt; Julian Van De Velde; Willem Boonk; Robert Hoepel
Testimonials
‘Very nice and capable people, who are willing to think out-of-the-box and are prepared to take the time to explain the aspects of a case’.
‘Smallegange is a boutique law firm with a very strong cross-border reputation for all commercial, maritime and transport matters’.
‘Robert Hoepel stands out for his 24/7 accessibility for any matter, as well as for his hands-on and practical approach combined with strong theoretical knowledge’.
‘Excellent lawyers with in-depth knowledge of the maritime industry’.
‘Willem Boonk is always available and provides commercial advice and recommendations, so that an appropriate strategy can be agreed’.
‘Young thriving team with excellent speed of response and legal knowledge’.
‘Very skilled within shipping and dispute resolution’.
‘A well-assorted team, made of expert professionals devoted to the case and the client, with a practical approach to the matter’.
Key clients
Steamship Insurance Management Services Limited
Seatrade Group N.V.
Noord Nederlandse P&I Club
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Stek
Stek has a strong focus on the aviation sector, handling transactional work, leasing issues, and the financing of commercially operated aircraft, business jets, helicopters and flight simulators. The practice, which handles both domestic and international matters, is well versed in aviation legislation and provides regulatory advice to clients, as well as handling contentious matters. Practice head Jeroen Timmermans handles cross-border deals and contract work.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘We collaborated with Stek over the past few years on several transactions and they have always been very professional and diligent’.
‘The team is very proactive on transactions’.
‘We worked closely with Jeroen Timmermans on various transactions and he is be available, efficient and knowledgeable’.
‘Good value for money, service is excellent, hard-working and always accessible’.
‘Jeroen Timmermans is professional, knowledgeable and attentive, with deep expertise and knowledge in the areas of need’.
Key clients
ABN AMRO Asset Based Finance
Aircastle Advisor LLC
Atlas Air
Corendon Holiday Group / Corendon Dutch Airlines B.V.
Easyjet
Fokker Services/Fokker Techniek
GEFA Bank GmbH
Netherlands Aircraft Company N.V. / Panta Holdings B.V.
Transavia Airlines B.V.
TrueNoord
Work highlights
- Advised Dutch investment company Panta Holdings with respect to the acquisition of Fokker Services B.V. and Fokker Techniek B.V. from Fokker Technologies/GKN Aerospace.
- Advised aircraft leasing company Aircastle in respect of the lease of 15 new Embraer 195-E2 aircraft to Dutch operator KLM Cityhopper B.V.
- Representing Polar Air Cargo LLC in third party indemnification proceedings brought forward by KLM, Martinair, Air France, Lufthansa and Thai Airways in civil damages claim proceedings in the Netherlands related to alleged cartel arrangements in the air cargo industry.