Europe - Belgium

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Industry focus: Transport

ASTREA CVBA

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Praised for its ‘pre-eminent service in the field of maritime law’, ASTREA CVBA‘s contentious and advisory expertise also extends to transport law in general. The Antwerp-based team has a focus on cargo and ship interests and is geared to handle matters such as cargo damage claims, seizures of ocean-going vessels and maritime appraisals. Commercial law specialist Marc Van Looveren heads up the unit and frequently represents companies in cases related to collisions at sea, ship’s arrests and charterparty disputes. Ruud De Houwer is mandated by clients ranging from shipping companies to public authorities to assist with issues such as cargo claims and general average-related mandates.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Pre-eminent service in the field of maritime law with the additional benefit of being part of a larger firm where more areas of law are covered: first class.’

  • ‘The firm takes a very practical approach and is business oriented.’

  • ‘Knowledgeable in the field with a deep understanding of business needs.’

  • ‘They have an extensive team with very diverse expertise, also the follow up is more than excellent.’

  • ‘The team can work under pressure, respects deadlines, is available, pragmatic and helps to look for solutions.’

  • ‘ The team provides quick and up-to-date feedback to our questions.’

  • ‘No nonsense, professional and firm knowledge of the subjects they are supporting. Correct approach giving you a clear understanding of the strategy to follow.’

  • ‘Flexible, professional, good communication skills, in-depth knowledge.’

  • ‘Marc Van Looveren and his team provide competent (multi-jurisdictional), speedy advice. They are friendly people as well.’

Key clients

  • Skuld P&I
  • North Standard
  • West of England P&I
  • Belgian Federal Government – Department of Transport and Mobility
  • Belgian Federal Government – Department of Health and the Environment
  • Saga Welco
  • Briese Schiffahrts / BBC Shipping Chartering
  • Great White Fleet (Chiquita)
  • 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
  • Saga Welco
  • U.K. Club
  • Cargill
  • Arcadia Commodities Trading
  • LIEBHERR
  • Marincon
  • Steelforce

Work highlights

  • Representing the Belgian federal government in a high-profile collision case involving the mv. “Flinterstar”, which was hit by the gas tanker mv. “Al Oraiq”.
  • Representing the owners of the mv. "BBC Virginia", in respect of a cargo claim citing a loss of approx. $14m as a result of alleged fire damage to yachts shipped aboard the vessel.

Lawyers

Leading individuals

Marc Van Looveren

Marc Van Looveren

ASTREA CVBA

Marc Van Looveren is a partner at Astrea, specializing in liability and dispute resolution. He has extensive experience in advising on complex international disputes often involving liability insurance. In addition, he assists clients in general commercial disputes and judicial investigations, including arrest warrants and injunctions for the cessation of infringements. As head of the transport and logistics team, case law regarding collisions at sea, cargo claims, ship and bunker arrests, interim junction proceedings and disputes with charter parties is nothing less than day to day business. He also assists clients with drafting logistics service agreements. Within Astrea’s highly regarded Transport & Logistics department, Marc is known as a partner who dares to take calculated risks. He is also a member of the Antwerp Bar, the International Bar Association (IBA), the International Association of Young Lawyers (AIJA) and the Belgian Association of Shipping Lawyers.

Next Generation Partners

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Marc Van Looveren

Other key lawyers

Ruud De Houwer

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