ASTREA provides ‘to the point and clear advice’ within the transport and shipping sectors. Marc Van Looveren co-heads the practice and is well-versed in commercial and liability disputes, while fellow co-lead Olivier Van Fraeyenhoven focuses his practice on distribution law disputes within the automotive and industrial sectors. Additional key contacts include maritime disputes expert Ruud De Houwer and further distribution law specialist Barbara Terriere.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Barbara Terriere and Olivier Van Fraeyenhoven carry an experience of many years in this particular industry. Due to the long partnership between our company and this practice, we have the advantage of their historical knowledge in some cases/claims.'
  • 'A reliable team of experts in their area.'
  • ‘What stands out for me is the practical approach of each issue you address to them. It is not only just providing legal theory but practical solutions. You can tell this comes from a vast experience the partners have build up over the years.’
  • ‘Marc Van Looveren is not only an experienced lawyer but also a strong team leader, which triggers the team to work efficiently.’
  • 'They know what you need before you explained it. They're honest and reliable.’
  • ‘Very professional, up to date with innovations and regulations, multifunctional, to the point and clear advice, respectful of timing, and always available and reachable.’

Key clients

  • Alfa Bank
  • Maersk
  • Katoen Natie
  • DEME
  • Euronav – CMB Tech
  • Vanguard Logistics
  • Arcadia Commodities Trading – Seatankers
  • BHP Billiton Marketing AG
  • Liebherr GmbH
  • Music Hall Group
  • Stream Avocats
  • KMDA

Work highlights

Assisting the owner of the mv. “CT Pachuca” with the consequences of an accidental major oil spill in June 2024 in the port of Antwerp.
Assisting HCEE (Hyundai Construction Equipment Europe) in a multi-million litigation against a French distributor which was terminated and is claiming different indemnities for a total amount of €29m.
Assisting Arcadia Commodities Trading, the commodities trading branch of the Seatankers group, in seeking appeal against an arbitration award of December 2021.
Practice head

Marc Van Looveren; Olivier Van Fraeyenhoven

Other key lawyers

Ruud De Houwer; Barbara Terriere