AKD advises and represents clients in the aviation, road, rail, shipping, and logistics sectors across the full range of transport issues, including finance and leasing transactions, insurance claims and disputes, and contractual negotiations. The team is led from Rotterdam by specialist shipping and cargo litigators Haco van der Houven van Oordt and Jos van der Meché, while the ‘always available’ Annemieke Spijker is noted for her expertise in cargo claims and logistics contracts. Stefanie Roose represents transport and logistics clients including tank terminal operators in litigation and arbitration.
Transport in Netherlands
AKD
Practice head(s):
Haco van der Houven van Oordt; Jos van der Meché
Other key lawyers:
Annemieke Spikjer; Stefanie Roose
Testimonials
‘The AKD Transport team has all the knowledge inhouse to cover every part of the international transport and shipping business. The various partners in the team have specific knowledge about each part of our business and therefore AKD always has the specialist available for our questions. ’
‘Annemieke Spijker is a great lawyer and always available. The highest professional knowledge and a great person to talk to.’
Key clients
Royal Boskalis
TT Club
Sovcomflot
Heerema Marine Contractors
Samskip
Royal Huisman Shipyard
Skuld
The Swedish Club
Gard
PM Terminals
AIG
Clifford Chance
Clifford Chance combines strong asset financing capabilities for shipping and aviation clients with notable litigation and regulatory expertise, including English law capabilities courtesy of Angela McEwan, who also specialises in structured finance and syndicated lending. The firm advises major domestic and international banks, as well as flag carriers, shipping companies, and other owner-operators, regularly advising on complex cross-border arrangements. The team is led by Hein Tonnaer, who focuses on asset and project finance, and has deep knowledge of the shipping and aviation sectors. Associate Mike Niekoop is noted for his broad financing expertise and work on cross-border transactions.
Practice head(s):
Hein Tonnaer
Other key lawyers:
Mike Niekoop; Carlijn Tenge; Angela McEwan
Testimonials
‘The firm is very efficient and gets to the core of the problem.’
‘Mike Niekoop, Carlijn Tenge, Hein Tonnaer and the rest of the team in Netherlands, Italy and all over the world that we have engaged together have been supporting us throughout these years with so much passion and dedication. You can expect them to provide legal advisory incorporating commercial elements.’
Key clients
BOC Aviation Limited
Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij N.V.
Milestone Aviation Group Limited
Transavia Airlines C.V.
Avolon Aerospace Leasing Limited
Macquarie Aircraft Leasing Services (Ireland) Ltd.
Goshawk Aviation Limited
Credit Agricole
BNP Paribas SA
Falko Regional Aircraft Limited
BBAM Aircraft Management LP
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Limited
Investec
IC AirLease One Limited
PK AirFinance
SMBC
Weststar Aviation Services Sdn Bhd
ABN AMRO
Work highlights
- Advised a syndicate of national and international banks led by ABN Amro, Rabobank, and ING on negotiations with KLM and the Dutch state in relation to a €3.4bn support package for KLM.
- Advised ABN Amro and other banks as lead arrangers on a $700m financing for the conversion of LNG carrier Gimi into an FLNG carrier.
- Advised BNP Paribas and NTT Finance Corporation as arrangers and lenders on a JOLCO for the refinancing of a B787-10 aircraft to KLM.
Cox Ten Bruggencate Advocaten
Cox Ten Bruggencate Advocaten handles freight and cargo transportation, logistics, shipping, and insurance matters, with capabilities across contractual negotiations and litigation. Of particular note is the firm's strength in high-value insurance and other financial claims, where it acts for individuals and companies. The team is led by Joeri Cox, who is vastly experienced in damage claims and logistics issues, alongside Carlijn ten Bruggencate, a specialist in transport and insurance law.
Practice head(s):
Carlijn ten Bruggencate; Joeri Cox
Key clients
MS Amlin
Nationale Nederlanden
Axa XL
HDI
AIG
DMI
Allianz
Navigators
ASR
Work highlights
- Representing a train driver in a €3.5m claim relating to a collision between sections of a work train.
- Advising a major Dutch logistics service provider on the drafting of its contract with the Dutch government, in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Representing a warehousing company and its logistics liability underwriters in defending liability in relation to the loss of €10m of products in a warehouse fire.
Smallegange N.V.
Specialist maritime, transport, and insurance firm Smallegange N.V. offers bespoke expertise to shipping companies and road carriers, maritime and transport insurers, terminals, and ship suppliers, among others, handling contractual negotiations, logistical issues, representation in insurance litigation, and salvage matters. The 'reliable and knowledgeable' team includes Julian Van De Velde, who deals with cargo claims and insurance disputes on behalf of insurers and shipowners, the vastly experienced Jan van der Stelt, a specialist in admiralty and maritime law issues, Willem Boonk, who focuses on cargo claims and international trade disputes, and Robert Hoepel, a new arrival from AKD in mid-2020 with notable expertise in multi-jurisdictional ship arrest.
Practice head(s):
Julian van de Velde; Jan van der Stelt; Willem Boonk; Robert Hoepel
Testimonials
‘They are reliable and knowledgeable shipping lawyers with a talented team. ’
‘Julian van de Velde and Willem Boonk are worthy of note and provide good advice and keep in touch with our claim handlers. ’
‘Smallegange can boast a team of very qualified, responsive and accessible professionals with a profound knowledge of Dutch shipping law, as well as a large international network. They are a household name for any European shipping law firm.’
‘Robert Hoepel is a very knowledgeable jurist with an ever practical approach. His large international network allows him to coordinate international solutions to complex shipping problems. He is accessible 24/7 which is a big plus in the sector.’
‘Smallegange is one of the best law firms in Marine / Transport law. They have a good mix of experience and younger talent, and are pleasant to work with.’
‘Jan van der Stelt – very experienced and knowledgeable and uses this to obtain practical solutions’
‘This firm has an easy direct and personal approach for a pleasant collaboration to work on the case together.’
‘Julian van de Velde is a very hands-on and excellent lawyer. He will go through the different methods of approach with you so that a well-considered and efficient decision can be made. This is coupled with an excellent and in-depth knowledge of the relevant legislation as well as the market.’
Van Traa Advocaten
Van Traa Advocaten acts across the full range of contentious transport issues, acting for national and international clients including banks, insurers, logistics companies, airlines, and other transport service providers. The 'strong' and 'capable' team handles property arrests, insurance and damages disputes, contractual and employment issues, civil and criminal litigation, and cargo claims. Leendert van Hee heads up the practice, leading on shipping and logistics issues, while Richard Latten specialises in cargo-related matters. Managing partner Vincent Pool is a noted litigator and is active in road, rail, logistics, and cargo issues, and Robert Pessers takes the lead on aviation and insurance work. Jolien Kruit is noted for her expertise in maritime law.
Practice head(s):
Leendert van Hee
Other key lawyers:
Vincent Pool; Richard Latten; Robert Pessers; Jolien Kruit
Testimonials
‘The transport practice is very strong with a capable team. Over the last year they have achieved what can only be described as excellent results in obtaining recoveries from client sub contractors in what were initially unpromising circumstances.’
‘The team is very hands-on and easily accessible. I use Van Traa for urgent high profile or complex cases. Their advice is always on point and on time. ’
‘Vincent Pool and Leendert van Hee are my go to partners, they are on point, quick and highly knowledgeable on the logistics industry. They are second to none in navigating the legal waters.’
‘The fastest response. Deep study of every single case and clear explanations on where we are and the management of our client’s expectations.’
Key clients
DHL and AIG UK
Special Cargo Services
Work highlights
- Advised the charterers of an inland barge on the incorrect gassing of cargo.
- Representing a global insurance company against a claim stemming from an armed robbery at a national distribution centre.
- Advising an insurance company on its response to a widely publicised search-and-rescue operation.
Allen & Overy LLP
Allen & Overy LLP specialises in ship financing, acting for shipping companies and banks on a range of domestic and cross-border matters, including syndicated loan arrangements. The team is led by global banking head Andrew Thomas, alongside Niels de Ru, Sigrid Jansen, and Aroen Kuitenbrouwer.
CMS
CMS advises shipping and aviation providers, owner-operators, and leasing companies on asset financing matters, alongside its long-standing specialism in mobility as a service, working with public and private sector clients on innovative issues such as electric car manufacturing, sustainable mobility, and smart shipping, alongside wider regulatory concerns such as competition law and climate change. The team is led by Petra Heemskerk, who specialises in public procurement with a particular focus on public transport and mobility, and Herman Boersen, a tax adviser who regularly works with insurance companies on transport-related issues.
Practice head(s):
Petra Heemskerk; Herman Boersen
Testimonials
‘The team’s strength is the mix of knowledge and skills, the speed with which a problem is tackled and the way solutions are presented; easy to understand for the layman.’
‘Strong communication skills. Very practical in their advice. Dedicated and supportive – any time – day, night, weekends, holidays. Exceptionally strong advice – don’t just quote the law, they provide advice and alternatives.’
Key clients
All Nippon Airways (ANA)
BMW
Port of Rotterdam
Pon Holdings
BIOS Personenvervoer
Qbuzz
NS (Dutch Railways)
Transvision
RCI Financial Services B.V. (Renault Finance)
Opel Finance N.V.
ALD Automotive
Work highlights
- Advised ICBC Leasing on the acquisition and subsequent lease to KLM Cityhopper of 21 Embreaer E195-E2 aircraft, plus 14 purchase rights.
- Representing ANA in follow-on damages proceedings, resulting from the Air cargo case. Proceedings are currently pending before the court of Amsterdam.
- Advising a number of industries based in the Rotterdam-Moerdijk area and other stakeholders including NGOs, in the context of the discussions that were initiated by the Dutch government to meet the CO2 reductions set by the Paris Climate Agreement.
Loyens & Loeff
Loyens & Loeff combines a strong record in ship financing with broad transport financing expertise, acting for banks and owner-operators on asset and acquisition financing transactions in the aviation, rail, and road sectors, as well as providing regulatory support to clients courtesy of Guido Koop. Gianluca Kreuze is a key name in the Amsterdam-based team, handling ship and aviation financing for banks, airports, port authorities, and shipping companies.
Practice head(s):
Willem Jarigsma; Gianluca Kreuze
Other key lawyers:
Guido Koop
Key clients
ING Bank
ABN AMRO Bank
Rabobank
European Investment Bank
De Nederlandse Financierings- maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden
DVB Bank
Caterpillar Financial Services
Shipyard De Hoop
BOC Aviation Pte Limited
Arklow Shipping
Marathon Aviation Fund
KfW
SMT Shipping
Spliethoff
Iccrea Bancaimpresa Spa
Work highlights
- Advised ING on a credit agreement with Spliethoff for the refinancing of Spliethoff’s fleet.
- Advised ABN Amro on the financing of ten vessels for Vertom Shipping and Shipping Company Gronigen.
- Advised Marathon Aviation Fund on the purchase, novation, and financing of an aircraft.
NautaDutilh
NautaDutilh's transport offering encompasses shipping and aviation finance, financial restructuring advice, and commercial litigation on behalf of banks and transport sector clients. 'Experienced' practice co-head and former firm chair Erik Geerling heads the ship finance group, advising banks and shipowners on complex acquisition and project finance matters, including cross-border considerations. Teun Struycken takes the lead on cross-border structured finance, asset finance, loan restructuring, and insolvency matters, while Kasper Krzeminski is a specialist litigator with expertise in domestic and international litigation and arbitration, handling issues such as debt recovery, security rights, and project-related disputes.
Practice head(s):
Erik Geerling; Kasper Krzeminski; Teun Struycken
Testimonials
‘A strong team with the depth of resource required to deliver on larger and more complex matters.’
‘Erik Geerling is a very experienced lawyer with a genuine undertaking of the transport sector as well as the institutions that finance it.’
Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright specialises in ship and aviation financing, with particular expertise in ECA-backed financing and regulatory considerations, alongside a notable Latin American focus for cross-border work. The firm acts for banks, public sector bodies, and transportation companies, including China Aircraft Leasing Company. Wouter Hertzberger leads the team, and has a strong ship finance practice, while Anthony Pallett joined from Hogan Lovells (United Arab Emirates) LLP in mid-2020, bringing broad expertise across financing matters in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Practice head(s):
Wouter Hertzberger
Other key lawyers:
Anthony Pallett
Key clients
State of the Netherlands
TCG fund
ABN AMRO
ING Bank N.V.
Rabobank
ICTSI
Volga-Dnepr Group
Aerovias de Mexico
Altea
The Boein Company
Macquarie Rotorcraft leasing
Waypoint Leasing Limited
China Aircraft Leasing Company
Stena Line Limited
SMBC Aviation Capital Limited
Carlyle Aviation Partners
BBAM
BNP Paribas
Apollo Aviation Group
HES Hartel Tank Terminal B.V.
I.M.P. Group
Nordic Aviation Capital
Ocean Rig UDW Inc.
PAL Aerospace
Technip
CAE
Work highlights
- Advising the state of the Netherlands on a public procurement for the acquisition of a new government aircraft meeting specific requirements and subsequent negotiations with Boeing regarding the acquisition, conversion and delivery of a Boeing BBJ aircraft.
- Advising AeroMexico’s on its rights under the bilateral air transport agreement between The Netherlands and Mexico.
- Advising ICTSI on group financing and transfer pricing issues.
Stek
Aviation specialists Stek advise national and international clients including commercial operators, owners, financiers, and leasing companies on the lease, acquisition, and sale of aircraft, with work spanning Europe, Asia, and the US. The 'pragmatic' and 'hands on' Jeroen Timmermans heads up the team, and is widely respected as an expert in aviation financing, repossession of aircraft, and wider contractual issues
Practice head(s):
Jeroen Timmermans
Testimonials
‘The aviation team in Stek is experienced and well recognised in the aviation sector. We have been collaborating as local counsel on many transactions with them and what we appreciate is their responsiveness and spirit of collaboration together with their expertise.’
‘Dedicated lawyers who are absolutely committed to get the best deal for their clients’
‘One of the few teams in the Netherlands with deep experience in the aviation market — and the best at it. Drives deals from beginning to end managing the various constituencies effectively.’
‘Jeroen Timmermans is very hands-on and provides excellent advice with a very pragmatic and commercial approach. Excellent responsiveness.’
Key clients
TrueNoord Holdings B.V.
Aircastle Advisor LLC
ABN AMRO Bank Asset Finance
Mass Capital / Mass Jet Lease B.V.
Multi Pilot Simulations International B.V. (MPS)
Netherlands Aircraft Company N.V. / Panta Holdings B.V.
Stichting Spitfires Flying Vintage Everyday
Transavia Airlines B.V.
VGAS Aircraft Procurement B.V.
Atlas Air
Work highlights
- Advised Aircastle on the lease of eleven new Embraer 195-E2 aircraft to Dutch operator KLM Cityhopper B.V.
- Advised TrueNoord on the lease of various aircraft to inter alia Bangladeshi operator US Bangla, US operator Republic Airways and Indian operator IndiGo.
- Advised Corendon Holiday Group on the sale of all shares in Corendon Holding.
Wiersma Mensonides
Wiersma Mensonides specialises in ship financing, debt restructuring and insolvency, and insurance litigation relating to shipping portfolios and maritime incidents. The firm acts for a combination of banks, insurers, and shipping companies, and has been involved in large-scale proceedings in the Netherlands and before the UK Supreme Court. The team is led by Aram Vos, who focuses on trade and ship finance-related matters, including contentious lending issues, Taco Wiersma, a specialist in commercial litigation and arbitration with an emphasis on restructuring and dry maritime cases, and Reinier van Campen, who handles shipping and road carriage issues.
Practice head(s):
Aram Vos; Taco Wiersma; Reinier van Campen
Key clients
Spliethoff Shipping
Boskalis
ABN Amro Bank N.V.
Isbank (Istanbul)
Hall Spars
Deutsche Bank
Yapi Kredi Bank Nederland N.V.
NNPC
West of England P&I
BBVA GarantiBank
Credit Europe Bank N.V.
Nurol Bank
Longship
Work highlights
- Represented Credit Europe Bank in proceedings filed by underwriters Aspen cs against the bank in an attempt to reclaim hull and machinery monies paid out following the sinking of Atlantik Confidence.
- Advising the owners of chemical tanker Blue Star on the (ongoing) negotiations with hull and machinery underwriters following the vessel’s grounding in La Coruna.
- Advised Yapi Kredi Bank as lender to San Cataldo Container Terminal SpA on a €50m loan facility for the financing of new port installations in the Port of Taranto, Italy.