Transport in Netherlands
AKD
AKD's transport and trade team has a global reputation in the international transport and offshore energy sectors, and has a strong reputation for its cross-border litigation capabilities. Clients include high-profile shipping insurance companies and terminal operators. Team co-head Haco van der Houven van Oordt is a litigation specialist with expertise in handling marine accidents, ship arrests and judicial ship sales. Fellow co-head, the 'top-notch' Jos van der Meché, is a key name for matters relating to terminal operations, logistics and insurance law. Stefanie Roose and Annemieke Spijker are also noted.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘AKD’s transport team are, quite simply, the best in the Netherlands. They have a long history of dealing with this area of law, they know the law inside-out, and they are very happy to give training to clients. Jos van der Meche is outstanding in his knowledge of Dutch transport law, and has an impressive history of court cases. Stefanie Roose is a great all-round litigator with fine attention to detail and goes above and beyond to help the client.‘
‘The firm is business minded in solutions. Annemieke Spijker is a great lawyer who knows what problems and legal challenges the clients face. In bringing up solutions she knows what is possible and what is not commercially sensible. Her network of other lawyers is very large, and she is always available to assist the client in providing the best service. She is always available.‘
‘They have great experience in all aspects of transport law and give great advice on all aspects of your case. Jos van der Meche is top-notch. Associate Stefanie Roose is very knowledgeable. Both are very pleasant to deal with.‘
Key clients
Royal Boskalis
TT Club
Sovcomflot
Heerema Marine Contractors
Samskip
Royal Huisman Shipyard
Skuld
The Swedish Club
Gard
APM Terminals
Clifford Chance
Clifford Chance's financial markets group and corporate team assists major companies in the aviation industry, counting Air-France-KLM among its clients. Headed by Hein Tonnaer, Angela McEwan and Hans Beerlage, the department is particularly strong in financing, and in 2019 advised multiple aviation companies on over 20 aircraft deals. Tonnaer is recognised for his deep expertise in the aviation industry. He was instrumental in the assistance given to Goshawk Aviation with a $300m financing matter. Beerlage advised major client Air France-KLM on a new transatlantic joint venture with Delta Airlines and Virgin Atlantic Airways, and the acquisition of a 31% interest in Virgin Atlantic Airways
Practice head(s):
Key clients
AirFrance-KLM
ABN AMRO
Orix Aviation Systems
Goshawk Aviation
GE Capital Aviation Services
IC AirLease One
Milestone Aviation Group
Work highlights
- Advising ABN Amro on the financing of the acquisition of a portfolio of shipping containers worth €80m.
- Assisting Orix Aviation with the sale and transfer of an aircraft bearing the manufacturer’s serial number and Dutch registration mark.
- Advising GE Capital Aviation Services on the sale and purchase of a Boeing 737-86N.
Cox Ten Bruggencate Advocaten
Boutique firm Cox Ten Bruggencate Advocaten's expertise in areas including carriage of goods, freight forwarding, logistics and maritime law makes it a reliable and popular choice for transport, logistics and insurance companies both domestically and internationally. Name partners Joeri Cox and Carlijn ten Bruggencate have developed longstanding relationships with major clients including AIG and Allianz. Notably, Cox is advising the cargo owners involved in the Wetteren railway disaster of May 2013, having recently secured €1m of damages for the clients following a Court of Appeal judgment. The firm also has ample experience in mediation and alternative dispute resolution for complex and high-value cases.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
MS Amlin
Delta Lloyd / Nationale Nederlanden
XL Catlin / Axa
HDI
AIG
DMI
Allianz
Navigators
Work highlights
- Assisting a warehousing company and its logistics liability underwriters in defending liability against a €10m claim after a fire.
- Acting for Navigators in a coverage claim for damage to military equipment transported to the UN Mission in Mali.
- Representing Nedair Freight in defending a claim for loss of containers during heavy weather in the Gulf of Biscay.
Smallegange N.V.
Smallegange N.V. is a boutique firm with a formidable reputation in transport, insurance and maritime law. In 2019, Julian Van De Velde, 'the go-to man for shipping' and widely praised for his 'broad experience' and 'great knowledge', handled a number of complex matters dealing with collisions in Dutch ports. Jan van der Stelt focuses on collision, salvage and shipbuilding matters, and advises a number of P&I clubs and insurers. 'Highly skillful, very communicative, friendly and knowledgeable' Willem Boonk and the 'very diligent, clever and hardworking' Hans Flameling are also noted.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘It is very tightly-knit firm with each member having their specialised portfolio, but it is very well known for its shipping practice. Jan van der Stelt is very effective in his handling of shipping cases and quick in assessing the relevant issues in complex shipping cases.‘
‘Small but efficient and very responsive team, providing pragmatic solutions to limit costs and legal fees when possible. I used to work with Willem Boonk only is he a very good lawyer in the area of transport law, but his availability and reactivity, in matters where time is limited, is very valuable. He is responsive, fully understands the needs of our client, and is open to find pragmatic solutions when possible.‘
‘Very responsive and approachable. Definitely in the top tier. Julian Van de Velde is the go-to man for shipping.‘
‘The individual lawyers within this firm, their knowledge of the shipping sector, and their knowledge of Dutch law make this firm unique. They are very approachable, and offer good value for money.’
‘The team is commercial, down-to-earth and sensible in its advice. Its turnaround time is impressively quick. The attention to detail is excellent. The right team members are used for each case – which means efficient working practices and no surprises on invoices. Julian van de Velde is an impressive lawyer, able to handle a variety of matters and interests. His speed of reply and clarity is excellent. Willem Boonk has a masterful understanding of transport law and is able to distill complicated details into clear and concise advice.‘
‘Julian van de Velde has broad experience, great knowledge, a good network, is professional, and provides pleasant human contact and humour.‘
‘Willem Boonk is part of a much-needed new generation of maritime and transport law specialists who will be at the helm of preserving and developing this expertise deep into the 21st century. He is a highly skillful, very communicative, friendly and knowledgeable lawyer. Hans Flameling is a true specialist in logistics and transport law, with the unique ability to understand the technical side of cases in-depth. He is very diligent, clever and hardworking.‘
Van Traa Advocaten
Drawing on 'top-level expertise' and offering a 'pragmatic' approach, Van Traa Advocaten provides a comprehensive service covering all aspects of transport law. Head of the transport, shipping and logistics department and stand-out litigator Vincent Pool handled a number of complex, high-profile disputes in the sector in 2019, including representing a leading logistics service provider against a multimillion-dollar container demurrage and detention claim. Head of the aviation team Robert Pessers is advising Malaysia Airlines following the shooting down of flight MH17 over Ukraine in 2014. Robert de Haan, Olivier Böhmer, Jolien Kruit and Leendert van Hee are also key lawyers. Cargo specialist Richard Latten was a new arrival in 2020.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Based on the matter, they will advise quickly what the best approach is. I need a firm that understands the business we are in and handles cases accordingly. This is what Van Traa does.‘
‘Each member of the team has top-level expertise and this makes Van Traa a “one stop firm” for the transport and insurance industries. Leendert van Hee has a unique approach with clients, outstanding knowledge of the sector, is always straight to the point and industry oriented. The team is capable of immediately understanding the different needs of clients from various jurisdictions.‘
‘This team is very approachable. They always look for a practical solution. I find them very knowledgeable.’
‘Olivier Böhmer is trustworthy, knowledgable and approachable.’
‘The Van Traa transport teams stands out for their excellent knowledge of the market, exposure to complex cases and vast network. Jolien Kruit is a very knowledgeable lawyer who combines in-depth knowledge with a pragmatic approach. Robert de Haan is a very senior and seasoned partner who will always put his client first.’
Key clients
Mainfreight
Steinweg Handelsveem
DHL
ADM
AIG
CEVA
KLM
Port of Rotterdam
Malaysia Airlines
Kleijn
Traxys
ERG
Cobalt 27
Negmag
Lexington
Work highlights
- Assisting Steinweg Handelsveem and its insurers with issues that arise surrounding shipping issues, logistic claims and disputes.
- Representing the Port of Rotterdam after 42 containers fell overboard the Comienzo.
- Assisting Lexington with a claim against HTRS following the collision of an HTRS train with a stationary Lexington train and carriages in Rotterdam’s Waalhaven station.
Allen & Overy LLP
The shipping group at Allen & Overy LLP has a strong position in the shipping market, especially in financing, and advises a core client base of shipping companies and banks, which benefit from the firm's international presence. Co-head of the firm's global banking practice Andrew Thomas lends expertise in corporate financing and restructuring; Niels de Ru has recently led syndicated financings in the offshore sector; Sigrid Jansen specialises in restructuring, having recently advised Wagenborg on a restructuring worth €1bn; and Aroen Kuitenbrouwer is an expert in lending and structured finance. The team is particularly adept at handling high-value, complex matters in excess of €1bn.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Thomas; Niels de Ru; Sigrid Jansen; Aroen Kuitenbrouwer
Key clients
ABN AMRO Bank
ING Bank
IHC Merwede
Wagenborg
Vroon
Heerema Marine Contractors Finance
Work highlights
- Advising ABN Amro Bank and ING Bank on the refinancing of the existing facilities related to Allseas, in a deal worth €1.45bn.
- Acting for the Wagenborg group on its financial and corporate restructuring, including a debt for equity swap with its lenders, in a matter worth €1bn.
- Advising the Vroon Group on the restructuring of its 22 bilateral financing arrangements of up to €1.5bn in various jurisdictions.
Loyens & Loeff
The 'pragmatic and very responsive' transportation finance practice at Loyens & Loeff brings 'great depth' in its advice to clients primarily on the lending side of shipping finance. Team co-head Gianluca Kreuze, a specialist in financing relating to shipping, aviation and rolling stock, led multiple financing matters in 2019 for the purchase and construction of ships. Aided by noted senior associate Ehsan Shirzadi, Kreuze also advised the Hong Kong-based Bank of Communications Financial Leasing on the cross-border financing (worth $60m) of two Dutch-registered aircraft that were subleased to KLM. The firm also handles regulatory and procurement matters for public transport entities.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Pragmatic and very responsive. Great depth when other specialist knowledge is needed.‘
Key clients
ING Bank
ABN AMRO Bank
FMO
Iccrea Bancaimpresa
Bank of Communications Financial Leasing
Société Générale
Rabobank
DVB Bank
Caterpillar Financial Services
NordLB
Shipyard De Hoop
BOC Aviation
Arklow
Vroon
Royal IHC Merwede
KfW
SMT Shipping
Spliethoff
Carisbrooke
Windcat Workboats
Work highlights
- Advising ING Bank on a facility made available to Arklow Shipping for the purchase of six newly built vessels in a deal worth around €43m.
- Assisting Iccrea Bancaimpresa with a credit agreement entered into with the Liguabue group for the financing of a new-built vessel worth €19.5m.
- Advising Société Générale on the financing of two Dutch-registered aircraft that are subleased to the Dutch airliner KLM worth over €60m.
NautaDutilh
NautaDutilh's transportation and logistics team has positioned itself as a powerful player in the shipping, aviation and transport industries, and covers all the practice areas relevant to the sector. The shipping branch of the team, with Erik Geerling at the helm, focuses on ship financing, as well as the construction, sale and purchase of new vessels. Teun Struycken heads the team's aviation wing, which specialises in financial transactions such as leveraged leases and engine financing. The team is also well represented in litigation by Kasper Krzeminski, who brings expertise in complex, cross-border commercial dispute resolution.
Practice head(s):
Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright distinguishes itself through its expertise handling ship and aircraft finance, its work for Latin America-based companies (including Aerovias de Mexico), and its specialism in ECA-backed financings. Team co-head Berend Crans, well recognised for his extensive experience in all aspects of aviation, acts for clients including the State of the Netherlands, which he advised on the public procurement for a new government aircraft and subsequent negotiations with Boeing. The team benefits from fellow co-head Wouter Hertzberger's specialism in asset finance for banks, shipowners and leasing companies, which constitutes a major source of work for the firm.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
ABN Amro
Aerovias de Mexico
BBAM
China Aircraft Leasing Company
ICTSI
IMP Group
ING Bank
Nordic Aviation Capital
Ocean Rig UDW
PAL Aerospace
Rabobank
State of the Netherlands
Stena Line
Technip
Waypoint Leasing
Work highlights
- Advising ABN, ING and Cacib on an Atradius-backed ship financing to OMP for the purpose of a vessel conversion, in a matter worth €233.7m.
- Assisting The State of the Netherlands with public procurement for the acquisition of a new government aircraft meeting specific requirements.
- Providing regulatory advice to Aerovias de Mexico on the utilisation of AeroMexico’s rights under the bilateral air transport agreement between The Netherlands and Mexico.
Stek
Stek's 'very responsive' aviation team provides all-round advice on the sector, specialising in multi-jurisdictional transactions relating to the lease, acquisition, sale and financing of aircraft and flight simulators. 'Very knowledgeable' team head Jeroen Timmermans acts for high-profile domestic and international clients, including Vueling and Atlas Air. Among several matters in 2019, he advised Mass Capital on the sale of two aircraft engines to Qantas. The practice also has experience in litigation, representing Corendon since 2017 in legal proceedings against Schiphol airport regarding slot allocation and airport charges. Laetitia Kunst is noted for her 'impressive depth of knowledge' managing aircraft sale and lease transactions.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘The Stek team are very responsive and provide sound commercial advice.‘
‘Laetitia Kunst-den Teuling has an impressive depth of knowledge and experience on managing aircraft sale and lease transactions.‘
‘High quality of legal work; excellent availability and flexibility.‘
‘Jeroen Timmermans; very knowledgeable, available whenever needed.‘
‘Marjolein Paulus: very responsive.‘
Key clients
TrueNoord Holdings
Mass Jet Lease
Mass Capital
Vueling Airlines
Netherlands Aircraft Company
Panta Holdings
Atlas Air
Corendon Dutch Airlines
Work highlights
- Advising TrueNoord on the purchase from CCB, and financing, of two Embraer aircraft.
- Assisting Mass Jet Lease with the lease of one Fokker aircraft to Avanti Air.
- Representing Polar Air Cargo against claims of cartel arrangements in the air cargo industry.
Wiersma Mensonides
Wiersma Mensonides is known for its work in ship building and finance, quality and quantity disputes in commodity trade, and cross-border litigation in maritime incidents. Team co-head Taco Wiersma brings extensive experience in international arbitration and acts for a range of clients, including banks, shipowners and P&I clubs. Co-head Reinier van Campen largely deals in contentious matters including cargo damage, personal injury claims and collisions, while fellow co-head Aram Vos' focus on ship finance was instrumental in assisting Credit Europe Bank with the €22m financing of two new product tankers in 2019.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
Credit Europe Bank
Nissan Car Carriers
ABN Amro Bank
Deutsche Bank
Spliethoff Shipping
Boskalis
Skuld P&I
BBVA GarantiBank
Active Shipping
NNPC P&I
Work highlights
- Assisting Nissan Car Carriers with the sale of four of its car carrier vessels to buyers in the Middle East for conversion to live stock carriers.
CMS
The group at CMS positions itself at the forefront of next-generation initiatives including mobility-as-a-service, autonomous and electric shared cars, and has advised local governments on optimising traffic flow and public transport. Team head Petra Heemskerk is a specialist in procurement law, and has recently advised public transport (especially rail) companies on contentious and non-contentious matters. Ship financing has become a recent focus of the group, having advised on the construction financing of two superyachts; Jesler Hartman Kok and Jan Joris van Kampen, both specialists in this area, led the advice.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
2getthere
HNA Group
DSV
Ferrovial
Work highlights
- Advising 2getthere on its sale to ZF Friedrichshafen.
- Assisting HNA Group with the sale of its entire interest in TIP Trailer Services to I Squared Capital.
- Assisted Danish logistics provider DSV with its sale of shares in two Dutch project companies to Vestas.
Simmons & Simmons
Simmons & Simmons primarily handles the financing of transportation projects and assets. Several recent matters demonstrate the firm's capability to handle high-profile work in the transport sector, including advising ING on its role as lead manager on Royal Schiphol Group’s debut €500m green bond. Other work includes transport team head Marieke Driessen advising a number of major international banks and insurers on asset financing related to the transport industry.
Practice head(s):
Key clients
ING
BNP Paribas
NIBC
Commerzbank
NWM
Lloyds
Municipality of Amsterdam
ZF Friedrichshafen
ABN AMRO
Work highlights
- Assisting ZF Friedrichshafen with the acquisition of 2getthere, a company located in Utrecht offering complete automated transport systems.
- Advising NIBC as the dealer on a stand-alone debt issuance of a $700m senior notes offering by the Teekay Offshore group.