Next Generation Partners

Industry focus: Transport in Belgium

ASTREA CVBA

ASTREA advises Belgian and international clients on all aspects of maritime and transport law, acting for major marine insurers, cargo and ship interests, government bodies, and sector intermediaries. The team handles cargo damage, collisions, general average, ship leasing, arrests and maritime pre-trial measures, providing both advisory and contentious support. Practice head Marc Van Looveren specialises in shipping, logistics, arrests and commodity trading, while Ruud De Houwer advises on collisions, salvage, wreck removal and broader maritime matters for public and private clients.

Responsables de la pratique:

Marc Van Looveren


Autres avocats clés:

Ruud De Houwer


Les références

‘Legal powerhouse in their field of law. Responsive, eloquent and knowledgeable team.’

‘First class shipping team.’

‘They have a diverse team with expertise in several legal matters. You always have one point of contact, and they revert back internally for any specific issues. They have expertise in a variety of fields, apart from court cases, they also provide general legal advice, studies and draft legislation.’

Principaux clients

Skuld P&I


NorthStandard


West of England P&I


Euronav – CMBTech


Belgian Federal Government – Department of Science Policy (Belspo)


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 (Chiquita)


Einride AB


Dole GmbH


Steinweg Group


Starbulk


Gard P&I


Belgian Institute for Transport over the Inland Waterways


Royal Institute for the Natural Sciences


Maersk


Spliethof, Transfennica


Fast Forward Freight


Crystal Cruises


Katoen Natie Group


Van Es Group


Noord Natie Holding


SCUA Belgium


Topoil AB


Heros Sluiskil BV


Seafrigo


U.K. Club


Cargill


Arcadia Commodities Trading


LIEBHERR


Marincon


Steelforce


Overseas Distribution Company


Principaux dossiers


  • Assists the owner of the MV CT Pachuca following a major oil spill in Antwerp in June 2024, facing multiple liability claims and court survey requests totalling nearly €20m.
  • Advise the Belgian Federal Government on issues arising from the operation of the research vessel Belgica, which faces claims exceeding €7m.
  • Represents the owners of the MV BBC Virginia in a $14 million cargo claim alleging fire damage to yachts shipped aboard the vessel. Following the vessel’s arrest in Antwerp in 2023, the firm is guiding the owners through ongoing court-appointed surveys and related proceedings.

Quadrant

Quadrant is a boutique firm with a strong international orientation, recognised for its extensive expertise in transport, logistics, trade, customs, liability, insurance and insolvency. Dirk Noels brings specialist knowledge in transport matters, while Patrick Rubens contributes over 25 years’ experience in maritime law and transport insurance. Pierre Bogaerts adds further depth in maritime issues, and Valerie Diercken offers broad expertise across contract, liability, corporate law, international trade, logistics and road transport.

Responsables de la pratique:

Dirk Noels; Patrick Rubens; Pierre Bogaerts; Kristin Verhaegen; Jan Everaerts; Valerie Diercken; Véronique Biscop; Jan Delen


Les références

‘The specific professional knowledge, in combination with high-level communication & analytical as well as emphatic skills, makes the Quadrant team so unique.’

‘Patrick Rubens is a rarity. He is a thorough specialist in his fields of expertise and serves us with 100% attention, dedication and outstanding advice. When urgent or important, Patrick makes himself available at short notice. Thanks to a straightforward and open dialogue, in combination with an anticipative business approach, we manage to minimise our exposures.’

‘We have a direct connection with the lawyer that goes beyond a specific file. We reflect together on our common goal, jurisprudence in general. It remains a people business, and our clients’ needs are met.’ 

Principaux clients

ICC Belgium


BSV – Belgian Shipping Federation


PSA Antwerp


Euroports Group


JAS Logistics Worldwide Belgium


Manuport Logistics


CEVA Logistics


AXA Belgium


Northstar


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted an insured in resolving a dispute arising from the total loss of three containers of weaving machines during typhoon-related flooding in Tuticorin, India.
  • Advised the Belgian Shipping Federation, major Antwerp container terminal operators and the Ministry of Finance on implementing the EU-mandated NCTS P5 system at the Port of Antwerp.
  • Represents NST and Sea Gate GmbH following 2025 fire aboard the MS Grande Brasile en route from Antwerp to West Africa.

A&O Shearman

A&O Shearman takes an integrated approach to major transport and infrastructure projects, offering full-service support across regulatory, banking, corporate, tax and litigation matters. The team has notable experience in shipping transactions and financing, EU and Belgian transport regulation, and major rail and road PPPs. Dirk Meeus leads on M&A and capital markets, Gauthier van Thuyne advises on planning and environmental law, and Filip Tanghe specialises in project and export finance.

Autres avocats clés:

Dirk Meeus; Gauthier Van Thuyne; Filip Tanghe


Principaux clients

D’Ieteren


Exmar


Principaux dossiers


Eubelius

Eubelius has a standout practice in the mobility sector, acting for public and private sector clients across all modes of transport, from rail and bus infrastructure to aviation and road charging and tolling systems. The team provides a one-stop shop for advisory, procurement, PPP, corporate and litigation support in regulated environments. Key figures include Alain François, noted for tolling and PPP expertise, corporate specialist Jeroen Delvoie, competition head Jan Bocken, public law lead Barteld Schutyser and procurement expert Hans Plancke.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alain François; Jeroen Delvoie; Jan Bocken; Anneleen Van de Meulebroucke; Hans Plancke; Barteld Schutyser


Autres avocats clés:

Rosita Geelen


Les références

‘Eubelius utilises a proactive effort to understand the specific challenges and regulatory landscape of our sector. Their lawyers don’t just answer legal questions; they think along with us, anticipate risks. They also include alternatives for legal problems.’

‘They invest in multidisciplinary expertise, which is particularly useful for complex projects involving public procurement, GDPR, or regulatory compliance. They actively follow legislative developments and often contribute to policy discussions, which gives them a forward-looking perspective that benefits their clients.’

‘Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with several lawyers from Eubelius, and I’ve consistently been impressed by their professionalism, responsiveness, and ability to tailor their advice to the specific needs of our organisation. What sets them apart is not just their legal expertise, but their willingness to engage with the business context and think beyond the purely legal framework.’

Principaux clients

VDL Groep


TDL Group


Skeyes


Audi Brussels


(Vlaamse Vervoermaatschappij) De Lijn


Departement Mobiliteit en Openbare Werken (MOW)


Viapass


NMBS | SNCB


Port of Antwerp-Bruges (POAB) | Haven van Antwerpen


Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Waterstaat| Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management


RDW


De Werkvennootschap


CubeCold Europe


Besix Unitec


Jan De Nul


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Viapass, the Belgian Regions and SOFICO on the operation and regulatory framework of the Belgian road charging system, including the implementation of CO₂-tolling and a new route ticket.
  • Advised SNCB-NMBS on corporate restructurings, regulatory and transport-related matters, including negotiations with the Belgian State on its management contract and the execution of the Transport Plan.
  • Advised Skeyes on corporate governance, regulatory matters and the development of a digital tower centre, including interpretation of the Single European Sky package and subsidiary management.

Kegels Advocaten

Kegels Advocaten is a leading Antwerp-based maritime firm with extensive experience in transport and trade law, advising insurers, P&I clubs, charterers, shipowners and other industry players. The team covers wet and dry shipping, seizures, logistics, customs, international trade and offshore construction. Co-head André Kegels brings deep expertise in maritime and transport law, while co-head Wim Drofmans also contributes significant sector experience.

Responsables de la pratique:

André Kegels; Peter Noben; Wim Drofmans


Les références

‘A wealth of long-gained experience in the maritime and related areas with always out of the box and innovative solutions. State of the art.’

‘Andre Kegels is easily reached, quick on the ball, pragmatic and very, very knowledgeable. A strategic mastermind who looks beyond the solutions others can find and looks for the end game, also beyond his own jurisdiction.’

‘The Kegels team have 365 degrees of knowledge of blue and brown water issues, and are on top of legal developments in Belgium. This distinguishes Kegels from other firms.’

Principaux dossiers


Leeward

Leeward is a boutique firm dedicated to the transport, logistics and maritime sector, acting as a one-stop shop across transport liability, admiralty matters and goods-related risks. The team is noted for niche expertise in criminal law matters involving the logistics industry. Jeroen Villé leads on warehousing, import-export and multimodal logistics issues, while Armin Wintein focuses on road transport, marine claims and fisheries. Saar De Gelas brings specialist strength in criminal and regulatory transport law.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jeroen Villé; Armin Wintein; Saar De Gelas


Autres avocats clés:

Fauve Dancet


Les références

‘Jeroen Villé, Armin Wintein, and the rest of the team are outstanding lawyers. They have much knowledge about the logistics market and their advice is always helpful for our clients.’

‘Jeroen Villé and Armin Wintein always respond very quickly. Their advice is exactly what we need: comprehensive in terms of legal research, but easy to digest for the client.’

‘Reactivity and professional knowledge.’

Principaux clients

bpost


ECS


Greenyard


International Car Operators


Kreiss


Vos Logistics


Manvesta


Railtraxx


New Silkway Logistics


Europa Worldwide


Widem


Dynalogic


CLdN (cargo)


Zeppelin GmbH


ANWR Group eg


Beaulieu international group


Lydian

Lydian’s ports and logistics team offers a multidisciplinary service, drawing on commercial, corporate, real estate, tax and employment expertise to support clients across all transport modes. The practice advises on logistics contracts, multimodal transport agreements, ship finance, insurance due diligence, and disputes. Practice head Yves Lenders specialises in port projects, port development and large-scale logistics outsourcing.

Responsables de la pratique:

Yves Lenders


Autres avocats clés:

Thibault Boscart; Valentine Querton


Principaux clients

Lineas NV


De Lijn


DFDS Belgium NV


DFDS A/S


STIB-MIVB


Water-link OV


Klipsch Group Europe BV


Cotac Belgium NV


Metrans a.s.


Combinant NV


Puratos NV


Talia Shipping Line Co. Sarl


Crossrail Benelux NV


Uniqa Towarzystwo Ubezpieczen SA


H. Essers Railport NV (previously Euro Terminal Genk)


Mobix (part of CFE group)


United Parcel Services (UPS) Belgium


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising one of the oil and gas supermajors on the organisation of activities in port activities in Belgium and the Netherlands.
  • Assisting and advising a major oleochemical company, with activities in the Ghent port, on the process of organising its logistics chain over water.
  • Continued advice and representation of Lineas in railway incidents.

Bournonville Grigorieff

Bournonville Grigorieff offers strong expertise across the aviation, transport, logistics, insurance and commercial sectors, advising major international carriers, lessors, cargo operators and specialist insurers on transactions, regulatory matters, coverage issues and litigation. The team is led by Dimitri De Bournonville, a seasoned aviation specialist with extensive experience in aircraft transactions, and Cyril-Igor Grigorieff, who focuses on multi-jurisdictional liability, EU regulatory work and aircraft finance.

Responsables de la pratique:

Dimitri de Bournonville; Cyril-Igor Grigorieff


Les références

‘The team stands out as a leader within the Belgian and broader Benelux legal markets, offering an exceptional combination of regulatory, transactional, and litigation expertise across all their areas of operation.’

‘At the helm is Dimitri de Bournonville, whose more than three decades of experience and reputation for approachability, pragmatism, and subject matter mastery are widely recognised in the industry. Dimitri’s expertise in transactional and regulatory matters is highly valued by both international and national clients, including public authorities.’

‘This is a team of true professionals with vast knowledge of the sector and a hands-on approach: the firm has a strong expertise in regulatory, contractual, corporate legal and and litigation matters. This is an outstanding independent practice with a sector-oriented approach in aviation, transportation and logistics.’

Principaux clients

AIG


Air Belgium


Air France


Air Transport Services Group


ASL Airlines Belgium


ASL Aviation Group


Atkins


Aviabel


Aviapartner


AXA


Canopius


CAL Cargo Airlines


Centre Bio


Challenge Airlines Group


Charles Taylor Adjusting


CMA CGM


CNA Hardy


Dantec


Delvag


DHL


Emirates


Etihad Airways


Fedex / TNT Express


Finnair


Generali


Global Aerospace


HungaroControl


KLM


LOT Polish Airlines


Land, Farm & Men


Luxair


Macquarie Air Finance


Maersk Air Cargo


Marsh


Norddeutsche Landesbank


Royal Caribbean International


RV Transport


Ryanair


Silversea


SI INSURANCE (Europe)


Swiss International Airlines


Swissport Cargo Services


Trafalgar Marine Trades


Travelers


Vueling


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for CMA CGM on the purchase of assets and activities from the Belgian airline Air Belgium and the negotiation of aircraft and engine lease agreements.
  • Representing FedEx in an inquiry by the Belgian public authorities as to the nature of certain goods transported by FedEx for certain of its clients.
  • Assisting Maersk in the development of its aviation activities in Belgium through its airline Maersk Air Cargo, which involved contacts with the Belgian authorities and the filing of applications, and required the review of the regulatory framework surrounding the activities in question.

Deloitte Legal

Deloitte Legal’s transport practice combines deep sector expertise with the firm’s multidisciplinary strength to support public authorities and private operators across all transport modes. The team advises on public, regulatory, procurement, environmental, real estate, tax and corporate issues. Managing partner Kathleen De hornois is noted for her public law and PPP expertise, while Marc Van Tieghem handles corporate and transactional matters, and Wim Naudts advises a range of mobility and transport stakeholders.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kathleen De Hornois; Marc Van Tieghem


Autres avocats clés:

Wim Naudts


Principaux clients

De Vlaamse Waterweg


NMBS / SNCB


Infrabel


Vlaamse overheid – Departement Mobiliteit en Openbare Werken


Agentschap voor Maritieme Dienstverlening en Kust


Flanders Hydraulics


Port of Antwerp


Agentschap voor Maritieme Dienstverlening en Kust


Principaux dossiers


  • Full-service legal support to DAB Loodswezen concerning the public procurement procedure for road passenger transport services dedicated to its Pilotage Service.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper’s transport group offers broad expertise across road, rail, aviation and shipping, supported by a core regulatory practice covering procurement, competition, liability and environmental issues. The team also handles tax, restructuring and international law matters. Nicolas Engelmann advises on Belgian and international tax, Bob Martens brings extensive public law and litigation expertise, and Ilse Van de Mierop specialises in aviation and wider transport-sector mandates.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nicolas Engelmann; Bob Martens; Ilse Van de Mierop


Principaux clients

Skeyes (formerly Belgocontrol)


Sabena


Sabena Aerospace Engineering SA / SABCA (Orizio Group)


Consortia TM COTU


Consortia TM ROCO


AYVENS


Scania Belgium NV/SA


Katoen Natie


Exmar


Royal Belgian Shipowners Association


Boluda


DEME


Benerail


CMB. Tech


Conti-Lines NV


Boskalis


Ganda Cars


GXO Logistics Chemicals Belgium NV


Ayvens SA


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisting the Royal Belgian Shipowners Association with various actions to render Belgium a more attractive maritime jurisdiction.
  • Advising TM ROCO, one of the principal contractor consortia involved in the realisation of the Oosterweelverbinding project—Europe’s largest ongoing road infrastructure project—on complex urban planning and environmental permitting matters.
  • Representing Sabena SA / NV’s trustees in bankruptcy including litigation against SairGroup and SairLines (Swissair).

ITL Attorneys

ITL Attorneys is a specialist transport and logistics firm advising a broad client base of carriers, insurers, brokers, shippers and logistics providers on the full spectrum of disputes and regulatory issues in the sector. The team handles cargo and insurance claims, commercial and tax disputes, criminal fraud matters and transport contracting. Frederik Vanden Bogaerde focuses on penal transport law, Vincent Van Der Mast advises across transport disputes, and Mathias Dendievel brings strong experience in complex cross-border cargo liability matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Frederik Vanden Bogaerde; Vincent Van der Mast; Mathias Dendievel


Les références

‘The international coverage and in-depth knowledge of tax, social and labour law in the transportation sector in different European countries is unique in its kind. Very practical and pragmatic advice based on a broad experience gained in several court cases and rulings.’

‘We worked a lot with Frederik Vanden Boghaerde. In-depth knowledge on the current state of law but also on the current state of rulings, (international) control authorities focus points, pragmatic advice, quick response times – timely delivery is very appreciated.’

‘The team have a great and extensive knowledge across the whole of Europe. They are approachable, listen and understand the issues before giving advice. They are our first port of call for clients in Europe.’

Principaux clients

ECS2XL


K&L Gates GP

K&L Gates GP’s integrated European practice advises on the full spectrum of EU transport regulatory issues and complex contractual arrangements, drawing on close collaboration with the firm's European and US offices. The team supports clients across all modes of transport and global supply chain matters. Co-head Mélanie Bruneau focuses on EU and French regulatory compliance, while co-head Antoine de Rohan Chabot advises on transport, aviation, competition, distribution and logistics matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mélanie Bruneau; Antoine de Rohan Chabot


Principaux clients

World Fuel Services


First Brands Group


Crane


Principaux dossiers


Reed Smith

Reed Smith has a multidisciplinary transport practice, with notable strength in competition, international trade, sanctions, and EU regulatory compliance. The team advises major industry players on complex cross-border and strategic matters. Christian Filippitsch co-leads the practice, guiding corporates on EU competition, merger control, state aid and procurement, while co-head Isabelle Rahman adds broad expertise. Philippe Heeren contributes deep customs and trade knowledge, and Max Seuster specialises in competition and EU regulatory issues.

Responsables de la pratique:

Christian Filippitsch; Isabelle Rahman


Autres avocats clés:

Philippe Heeren; Max Seuster


Principaux dossiers


Simont Braun

Simont Braun delivers comprehensive support to public bodies, private companies and governments across all phases of infrastructure and transportation projects, drawing on expertise in corporate and M&A, governance, real estate, IP, consumer protection and economic law. The team is led by Steven Callens, an M&A and corporate specialist, and Manuela von Kuegelgen, noted for real estate and large-scale project work, with additional strengths from IP expert Emmanuel Cornu and insolvency specialist Fanny Laune.

Responsables de la pratique:

Steven Callens; Manuela von Kuegelgen


Autres avocats clés:

Emmanuel Cornu; Fanny Laune


Les références

‘Quality deliverables and knowledge of the field.’

‘Committed, smart and thriving for excellence.’

 

Principaux clients

Lab Box


STIB


DDM


Mercedes-Benz Belgium-Luxembourg


Principaux dossiers