DUAL Europe, the managing general agent and unit of insurance intermediary Howden, announced the launch of its cargo insurance business, effective from Sept. 1, 2025.
This marks a strategic expansion of DUAL Europe’s marine proposition, following the successful rollout of its Marine hub in September 2023. The new offering reinforces DUAL’s commitment to delivering comprehensive, solution-driven insurance products across Europe.
The cargo insurance business is led by Chris Wittoeck, head of Cargo, DUAL Europe, who brings over 25 years of experience in marine cargo underwriting.
Throughout his career, Witteock has held senior positions at Jean Verheyen (AXA Group), 24Vision Insurance Solutions, Groupe Eyssautier, AMLIN, and AXA Corporate Solutions. He currently serves as chair of the Cargo Committee of the Belgian Association for Marine Insurers and is an active contributor to the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI).
Wittoeck will be supported by a team of experienced underwriters, including Marc Stoopman, lead underwriter Cargo, DUAL Benelux.
Stoopman is a seasoned marine, cargo, and logistics insurance specialist with 30 years’ experience. He has held senior roles at TenneT, Marsh (where he led the Marine, Cargo & Logistics department in the Netherlands), Starr Underwriting Agents (Lloyd’s), and Overvliet Assurantiemakelaars.
His background spans both underwriting and broking, with a focus on complex sectors such as offshore contracting, shipbuilding, and logistics. Additional professionals will join the team in the coming months, starting with Germany and then expanding to other European markets. Their combined experience and international perspective will form a solid foundation for DUAL’s pan-European cargo proposition.
Cargo claims will initially be handled by Femke Nollet, head of Claims, DUAL Benelux, while a dedicated cargo claims team is being established.
DUAL Europe’s Cargo Insurance is designed to meet the evolving needs of brokers and their clients through comprehensive, tailor-made cover. It offers all risks plus cargo-related extensions, such as Waterborne War Worldwide, and provides protection for traders, producers, manufacturers, exporters, importers, road carriers, and freight forwarders. The offer also includes cargo property and liability protection, stock and transit coverage, and acceptance of all cargo types, from soft and hard commodities to general and project cargo. Both lead and follow lines underwriting are available.
“Over the last two years, our marine business has grown dramatically with fantastic support from our network of brokers,” commented Aram Stoop, managing director, DUAL Marine Europe, in a statement.
“This new addition to our marine proposition is driven by the demand for a solution-driven approach, including niche sectors,” Stoop said. “In challenging market conditions, leadership is essential for a sustainable competitive advantage. Our team will work closely together to deliver truly client-focused solutions.”
Wittoeck said the DUAL Europe team delivers comprehensive, bespoke insurance solutions to brokers and clients, “for any type of cargo or client, any mode of conveyance or storage, and anywhere in the world.”
“By placing strong emphasis on loss prevention, proactive claims handling, and effective recovery strategies, we offer robust underwriting performance that benefits both clients and insurers,” Wittoeck added.
Olaf Jonda, CEO, DUAL Europe, said: “The launch of our cargo insurance business is a significant milestone in our journey to build a truly pan-European marine platform. This is the first step, with further markets to follow as we continue to expand. With Chris Wittoeck at the helm and a team of exceptional underwriters across key regions, we are confident in our ability to deliver outstanding value to brokers and clients.”
DUAL Marine Europe, the specialist marine insurance arm of DUAL Europe, provides brokers across the continent with a wide range of marine solutions. With underwriting hubs in Rotterdam, Genoa, and Hamburg, the division brings together international experience and deep technical expertise. Since its foundation in 2023, DUAL Marine Europe has rapidly expanded through strategic acquisitions and team growth, positioning itself as a leading provider of customizable marine insurance solutions.
Source: DUAL Europe
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