NautaDutilh has particular aptitude in ship financing matters, with broader strength in maritime, aviation, and general transport law. The team, jointly led by Erik Geerling, Marc Orval and Kasper Krzeminski, is well-placed to handle arbitration proceedings, insurance disputes, credit negotiations, and financial structuring. Geerling is hailed as an ‘exceptional operator’ and is a maritime law specialist, equipped to manage the lease and sale of major vessels. Orval is a finance specialist who is particularly experienced with debt restructuring. Krzeminski leverages extensive domestic and international expertise to represent banks and major commercial entities in major court or arbitration proceedings.
Transport in Netherlands
NautaDutilh
Practice head(s):
Erik Geerling; Kasper Krzeminski; Marc Orval
Other key lawyers:
Jaco Belder; Maaike Heijiink
Testimonials
‘It is the premier firm for matters involving ship financing.’
‘Erik Geerling is an exceptional operator.’
‘Erik Geerling’s experience is second to none.’
‘The team deliver to a professional standard and are familiar with our way of working and the demands our clients put on us.’
‘Erik Geerling, on the ship finance side, is a veteran, very experienced. He has been doing this for years, and is a known name in the industry and within our firm. ‘
Key clients
ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
AerCap Holdings N.V.
Airbus
Air France
Coöperatieve Rabobank
Deutsche Lufthansa AG
EasyJet
IATA
KLM Holding
Louwman
Lufthansa Cargo AG
Naval Group
Neste
NIBC
OOS International
TJC (The Jordan Company) / AIT Worldwide Logistics
Siemens Financial Services
SWISS International Air Lines AG
Uber
Work highlights
- Represented Naval Group throughout legal proceedings initiated by ThyssenKrupp regarding a public tender for submarines for the Dutch Ministry of Defence.
- Assisting Siemens Financial Services Limited as a Dutch legal counsel in connection with the proposed financing of the purchase of eligible vessels built by Damen for leasing to customers.
- Represented OOS International in an international arbitration regarding a high-value joint venture dispute between OOS International and China Merchants Industry Holding.
Ploum
Ploum, jointly led by Jikke Biermasz, Marijn van Tuijl and Albert Wiggers, has an ‘exceptionally organised, efficient and responsive’ team. Biermasz has longstanding experience working with logistics and insurance work, and is an expert on customs law, regularly advising public and private authorities. The ‘knowledgeable, professional and experienced’ van Tuijil works with companies and businesses in compliance matters and supply chain disputes, particularly those involving the transportation of raw materials or food. Wiggers is experienced in corporate M&A, supplementing his advice to major domestic and international entities. Jeroen Zandt specialises in transport litigation.
Practice head(s):
Jikke Biermasz; Marijn van Tuijl; Albert Wiggers
Other key lawyers:
Jeroen Zandt
Testimonials
‘Marijn van Tuijl is very knowledgeable, professional and experienced.’
‘Jeroen Zandt is one of the most authentic and empathetic professionals.’
‘Jikke Biermasz possesses a wealth of knowledge on customs and trade law and is calm under pressure.’
‘Jikke Biermasz has a deep understanding of the sector, and it is always enjoyable to work with her.’
‘It has expertise in the marine cargo and insurance industries.’
‘This practice has the ability to understand and solve any situation instantly.’
‘It has a specialised and focused team with dedicated lawyers.’
‘The team were exceptionally organised, efficient and responsive.’
Key clients
Wintershall Noordzee
Peinemann
AIG
DSV
Customs Support Group
Hutchison Ports Europe
HES International
Maersk
Matrans
Nedcargo
KGH Customs
APM Terminals
Service Terminal Rotterdam
Sea-Cargo
Flexport
Expeditors International
Work highlights
- Representing a consortium of buyers for 260 BMW cars which were purchased after being offloaded from a highway that caught fire. The manufacturer claims that the cars should be destroyed, despite the fact that the cars are considered safe and undamaged.
- Supported Customs Support Group in multiple due diligence projects relating to the acquisition of customs brokering/freight forwarding businesses throughout Europe. The firm supported the client’s buy-and-build strategy.
- Continuously assisting the Customs Support Group in drawing up and negotiating framework agreements for services with large, internationally operating good owners and freight forwards.
Van Traa Advocaten
Leendert van Hee leads the Van Traa Advocaten team, which has strength in all areas of transport. The Rotterdam-based practice is a key point of call for major airlines, container carriers and logistics entities. Van Hee is a maritime law specialist, praised for his ability to ‘always find a practical solution to a problem.’ Vincent Pool focuses on land transport, assisting major rail and road operators in both contentious and non-contentious mandates. Robert Pessers is a key name for work in the aviation and insurance sectors. Jolien Kruit focuses on conflicts in the shipping industry, and is experienced in both litigation and ADR. Nol van Hal works for shipping underwriters and other major offshore entities and is praised for being ‘a sharp-minded lawyer with a practical approach.’
Practice head(s):
Leendert van Hee
Other key lawyers:
Silvia Gawronski; Steven Oude Alink; Haco van der Houven van Oordt; Carlijn Bruggencate; Jolien Kruit; Robert Pessers; Nol Van Hal; Vincent Pool
Testimonials
‘Nol van Hal is a sharp-minded lawyer with a practical approach.’
‘Vincent Pool and Leendert van Hee are well versed in litigation and in advising on all matters regarding transport law.’
‘Vincent Pool has extensive knowledge of insurance and liability law and a vast experience in handling cases, large and small.’
‘The lawyers are strategic thinkers who really take ownership of cases, and they don’t let go until they win.’
‘They know all the players in the field, and this can be very helpful.’
‘Vincent Pool and Leendert van Hee are competent and always find a practical solution to a problem.’
‘It is very experienced in insurance, maritime and shipping law matters.’
Key clients
KLM
KLM Cargo
Nouryon
Major Europe-based worldwide container carrier
Major Asia-based worldwide container carrier
Holland-based warehouse/logistics provider
Dutch subsidiary of a major European railway undertaking
Various insurance companies (with a strong marine and transport portfolio)
Heavy load transport company and liability insurers
Dutch Ferry Company
One of the biggest world cold-storage companies
Work highlights
- Assisting a leading trader of food products in multiple cases, including one that covers an incident where a cargo vessel was stranded due to a bulkhead collapse. The firm arranged financial security to safeguard the client’s interests.
- Regularly assist KLM Cargo in cases which involve foodstuffs that contain ingredients of protected plants or animals under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
- Representing a major wholesale company, facing high freight prices in long-term contracts with shipping companies, who sought to renegotiate their agreements.
AKD
AKD‘s transport practice ‘combines legal expertise with practical business acumen’ serving international and domestic clients with the full gamut of matters in the sector. Led by Sebastiaan Moolenaar, the team provides ‘creative solutions to complex legal challenges’ across the shipping, aviation and logistics sectors, acting as litigators and advisors for prominent international companies. Haco van der Houven van Oordt is an ‘out of the box thinker’ and a maritime law specialist who is active domestically and in the Caribbean. Annemieke Spijker is recognised for her work in the logistics sector, but is also a respected litigator in her own right. Pieter Den Haan advises shipping underwriters and major insurers on liability claims relating to shipping casualties.
Practice head(s):
Sebastiaan Moolenaar
Other key lawyers:
Haco van der Houven van Oordt; Pieter den Haan; Taco van der Valk; Annemieke Spijker; Guido de Vos
Testimonials
‘Each team member brings a unique perspective, which allows the firm to provide creative solutions to complex legal challenges.’
‘They are a leader in aviation regulatory work.’
‘Guido de Vos is straightforward and pragmatic in his advice. He is always a pleasure to deal with.’
‘Haco van der Houven van Oordt is an out-of-the-box thinker and a superb international litigator.’
‘Their ability to understand the broader business implications of legal decisions makes the firm indispensable to clients looking for more than just legal advice.’
‘’It has a very strong practice group who work for an impressive amount of big names in the sector.’
‘The team combines legal expertise with practical business acumen.’
Key clients
Royal KLM
RWG Terminals
Royal Boskalis
Jumbo Maritime
Samskip
Vollers GmbH
Emirates Airlines
Gard
TT Club
Samsung SDS
UK P&I Club
Braskem
Skuld
The Swedish Club
LBC Terminals
APM Terminals
Maersk
ECT Hutchison Ports
Royal IHC
Nationale-Nederlanden
AIG
Work highlights
- Representing the owners and insurers of a vessel that hit multiple objects in and around an offshore wind farm.
- Represented various warehouse keepers in proceedings relating to fires that resulted in multiple claims.
- Representing terminal operators in a vessel collision with a quay crane
Clifford Chance
Clifford Chance acts for private sector clients across the shipping and aviation industries, with aptitude in asset finance, leaseback transactions, and aircraft registration. Hein Tonnaer spearheads the department, and is heavily involved in the renewables market. Tonnaer has experience in sustainable transport projects, advising Dutch and international stakeholders. Angela McEwan uses her banking and finance experience to structure large transactions and advise on lease agreements. Mike Niekoop is a respected asset finance specialist.
Practice head(s):
Hein Tonnaer
Other key lawyers:
Angela McEwan; Mike Niekoop; Laura Stegeman
Key clients
ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
Airbus
Aircastle Advisor LLC
BNP Paribas SA/NV
Citi Europe plc
Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A.
Deucalion Aviation Limited
Falko Regional Aircraft Limited
ITOCHU Corporation
JP Lease Products & Services Co., Ltd.
Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij N.V. (KLM)
OHI Finance S.A.
Royal Aero GmbH
SkyNRG BV
The Milestone Aviation Group Limited
TRUENOORD BOYNE LIMITED
Work highlights
CMS
The multidisciplinary team at CMS led by Petra Heemskerk is heavily involved in public transportation and assists key entities in the road and rail sectors. It is well-equipped to assist with tender procedures, the execution of public contracts, and administrative proceedings on behalf of public and private authorities. Heemskerk is an authority in procurement law but is experienced in advising on PPPs, public tenders, and mobility disputes. Partners Alexander IJkelenstam and Tessa Penninks bring specialisations in administrative law and financial regulations, respectively.
Practice head(s):
Petra Heemskerk
Other key lawyers:
Alexander IJkelenstam; Tessa Penninks
Testimonials
‘The firm is always within reach. If we need someone, our contact is available.’
‘The team is professional, well-spoken and friendly.’
‘They really understand our business.’
‘The firm helps us with public tenders that go to court.’
‘I would definitely say that it is the authority on transport law.’
‘CMS triumphs in letting us feel we are their priority by providing excellent service (availability, follow-up, agility) and their can-do mentality. The CMS network and the quick inclusion of other internal/external topic experts is a real asset.’
Work highlights
- Advises QBuzz on legal issues that arise during the execution of its public transport contracts.
- Advises Louwman on obtaining merger clearance for the take-over of a KIA dealership in the Netherlands.
- Advised IONITY on its business expansion, providing more charging points for electric vehicles in and beyond the countries where it currently operates. This included the acquisition of grid connections for its expanding network.
Cox Ten Bruggencate Advocaten
Cox Ten Bruggencate Advocaten‘s ‘knowledgeable, pragmatic and solution-oriented’ team is particularly skilled at handling liability insurance claims, especially in the shipping sector. The practice is jointly led by Joeri Cox, who is adept at handling transport disputes, especially those involving damage incidents Carlijn Ten Bruggencate, whose practice covers both contentious and non-contentious matters. The ‘approachable and knowledgeable’ Bruggencate has broad transport expertise, but specialises in marine insurance matters.
Practice head(s):
Carlijn ten Bruggencate; Joeri Cox
Other key lawyers:
Jacco van de Meent
Testimonials
‘The team’s advice is given in a practical manner’
‘Approachable, no-nonsense attitude and to the point.’
‘Carlijn ten Bruggencate has a good track record. She is very approachable and knowledgeable.’
Key clients
MS Amlin
Nationale -Nederlanden
AIG
HDI
AxaXL
DUPI
Aon
Meijers
Ecclesia
Work highlights
Loyens & Loeff
The transport team at Loyens & Loeff is spearheaded by the Amsterdam-based Ehsan Shirzadi, who leads a team ‘of good communicators’ in significant domestic and international transactions. It focuses predominantly on shipping finance, and advises banks, financial institutions, and private clients with the full gamut of related matters, including financial restructuring and the drafting of transaction documents. Shirzadi leverages a multidisciplinary approach due to his longstanding experience in the banking and energy sectors.
Practice head(s):
Ehsan Shirzadi
Other key lawyers:
Sharita Willigenburg
Testimonials
‘The team is always aware of the relevant risks and how to avoid them’
‘The lawyers are good communicators.’
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
MEAG MUNICH ERGO Asset Management GmbH
Vertom UCS Holding B.V.
Chemship
Maritime Partners LLC
Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB
Work highlights
Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright has a ‘knowledgeable, pragmatic and responsive team’ that assists banks and investment funds with transport financing, particularly in the shipping and aviation sectors. As part of an international firm, it can leverage a network of resources and expertise to handle complex cross-border transactions. Wouter Hertzberger is the practice head who relies upon his background in banking and project finance background to integrate a multidisciplinary approach to his work for both sponsors and lenders, predominantly in projects involving road transport and ports.
Practice head(s):
Wouter Hertzberger
Other key lawyers:
Mei-Land Man; Omar Salah; Tamara Ubink; Rik van der Laan; Joep Duinker; Stefanie Walthaus
Testimonials
‘Top tier aviation team in the Netherlands.’
‘A very knowledgeable, pragmatic and responsive team that continues to provide impeccable support to our team.’
‘Joep Duinker and Stefanie Walthaus provide very practical advice, informed by extensive experience with relevant counterparties and regulators.’
Key clients
ABN AMRO Bank
ANZ
Bristow Group Inc.
Banco Santander S.A
Bank of America
BNP Paribas
Carlyle (formerly Apollo)
China Aircraft Leasing Company
Citibank
DHL Aviation (Netherlands) B.V.
DNB Bank
Export-Import Bank of the United States
Prow Capital B.V. (Green Shipping Fund)
HSBC
HES Hartel Tank Terminal B.V.
ING Bank
ICTSI
Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij N.V.
Macquarie Rotorcraft Leasing
Rabobank
State of the Netherlands
Standard Chartered Bank
SMBC Aviation Capital Limited
UK Export Finance
Work highlights
- Advised Atal on the financing of a transaction that involved the purchase and retrofitting of 4 vessels by Blue Astra.
- Advised Dutch bank NIBC on an agreement to sell its portfolio of shipping loans and related derivatives to Hamburg Commercial Bank.
- Advised the 15 lenders on the restructuring of the Vroon group, the largest shipping and offshore service group in the Netherlands.
Stek
Stek is an Amsterdam-based boutique that specialises in aviation matters, acting for banks, financial institutions, private investors, and commercial operators. Jeroen Timmermans leads a team which is ‘very aware of what is important to the client’, assisting them with lease agreements, aircraft refinancing and sale transactions. Timmermans has a background in commercial law, and is equipped to assist international clientele with the whole gamut of aviation matters.
Practice head(s):
Jeroen Timmermans
Other key lawyers:
Bart-Jan Heijnen; Kenneth Luijk
Testimonials
‘The firm is very aware of what is important to the client.’
‘The team negotiates fairly but sternly.’
‘The firm is patient and steadfast when they need to be.’
‘The lawyers are capable people who work well together as a team.’
Key clients
Aircastle Advisor LLC
BOC Aviation (UK) Limited
CFM International Inc.
CMB Financial Leasing Co, Ltd.
Corendon Dutch Airlines B.V.
Deutsche Bank
Elysian Aircraft Company
Fokker Next Gen N.V.
Fokker Services/Fokker Techniek
GEFA Bank GmbH
Investec Bank PLC
TrueNoord
UBS Switzerland AG
Work highlights
- Advised aircraft leasing company Aircastle in respect of the lease of fifteen new (15) Embraer 195-E2 aircraft to Dutch operator KLM Cityhopper B.V.
- Advised aircraft leasing company TrueNoord regarding the refinancing of a portfolio of 31 aircraft by a consortium of lenders.
- Ongoing assistance to Fokker Next Gen N.V. (and its parent company Panta Holdings) with respect to the design, development and production of Next Generation hydrogen-powered Fokker aircraft.
ITL Attorneys Netherlands
ITL Attorneys Netherlands, a transport and logistics boutique, excels at handling matters involving international transport law. The growing team, led by Christian Hofman, Kevin Vierhout, and Michelle Vrolijk, has a significant presence in the automotive sector. Vrolijk is a labour and employment law specialist who regularly helps clients maintain compliance with EU law. Hofman is a reputable litigator who is active in the shipping, insurance and logistics sectors. Vierhout, a co-founder of the firm, is a road transport specialist whose work has influenced domestic legislation and government policy.
Practice head(s):
Christian Hofman; Kevin Vierhout; Michelle Vrolijk
Other key lawyers:
Rémy Betgen