Europe - Belgium
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Industry focus: Transport

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ASTREA CVBA

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ASTREA‘s transport and logistics practice yields a wealth of experience in cases across maritime and transport law, particularly in matters linked to causalities, dry and wet work, fire incidents, and oil spills. The firm is adept at handling litigation and advising on logistics agreements, with an emphasis on high-value cross-border matters, including proceedings throughout the EU. The team is commended for being ’quick, proactive and clear advice’, with practice head Marc Van Looveren bringing knowledge of shipping, logistics, and arrest-related matters, and commodity trading work. Ruud De Houwer is noted gfor providing advice across collision, salvage, wreck removal, vessel arrest, and carrier’s liability.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Specific knowledge on maritime law complimented with extensive knowledge in other related fields such as public law etc.’

  • ‘The individuals are easy to contact and communicate with. Very responsive and can give tailormade advice on very specific topics.’

  • ‘The team is putting much efforts into the case and assess options/ results in depth prior proceeding with any strategy. The team aligns with customer requirements and preferences so a proper outcome can be achieved. Reachability and communication is very well, in case of urgent feedback requirements, Astrea replys is a fast and proper manner, always providing valuable insight into the legal basis and case-law.’

  • ‘Each individual puts a lot of efforts into delivering quality feedback and assessments. Correspondence is continued without any gabs even if individuals change.’

  • ‘Firm demonstrated excellent knowledge in maritime law matters during a recent engagement. Displayed a clear vision of how they saw the matter developing which assisted in clear decision making.’

  • ‘Marc Van Looveren was the lead partner on the case and was very responsive and super clear in any correspondence and advice.’

  • ‘Professional, knowledgable, very clear in explanations and advice, reassuringly confident’

Key clients

  • Skuld P&I
  • NorthStandard
  • West of England P&I
  • Euronav – CMBTech
  • Belgian Federal Government – Department of Science Policy
  • Belgian Federal Government – Department of Transport and Mobility
  • Belgian Federal Government – Department of Health and the Environment
  • Vanguard Logistics
  • Saga Welco
  • Briese Schiffahrts
  • BBC Shipping Chartering
  • Great White Fleet
  • Einride AB
  • Dole GmbH
  • Maersk
  • Spliethof, Transfennica
  • Fast Forward Freight
  • Crystal Cruises
  • Katoen Natie Group
  • Van Es Group
  • Noord Natie Holding
  • SCUA Belgium
  • Lukoil Benelux BV
  • Topoil AB
  • Heros Sluiskil BV
  • Seafrigo
  • U.K. Club
  • Cargill
  • Arcadia Commodities Trading
  • LIEBHERR
  • Marincon
  • Steelforce
  • Overseas Distribution Company

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. As a consequence of this spill the owners of the vessel have been held liable by multiple parties, many of whom have requested the appointment of a court surveyor and are demanding security. Various proceedings are being expected, and claims are expected to be close to 20 MIO EUR.
  • Assisting the Federal Public Planning Service for Science Policy regarding the operation of the mv. Belgica, a research vessel owned by the Belgian Federal Government, and the problems occurring in the operation thereof, in which the Federal Government is faced with a claim of potentially over 7 MIO EUR. The matter involves a combination of maritime law issues and Belgian public procurement law.
  • Assisting and advising the owners of the mv. BBC Virginia, in respect of a cargo claim, introduced in 2023, in which cargo claimants claim a loss of approx. 14 MIO USD in capital as a result of alleged fire damage to yachts shipped aboard the vessel. The vessel was also arrested in Antwerp in June 2023. A court surveyor was recently appointed.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Ruud De Houwer
ASTREA CVBA

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Marc Van Looveren

Other key lawyers

Ruud De Houwer