AKD Recruits Two Senior Execs

AKD said it has strengthened its position in the shipping and offshore sectors with the arrival of two senior executives.

Pieter den Haan, a specialist in handling maritime casualties, with particular expertise in major collision cases as well as in salvage and wreck removal and insurance disputes, joins from Van Traa as a partner in AKD’s Transport & Energy team with effect from 1 July, 2015. Pieter also advises shipyards, shipowners and private clients in connection with shipbuilding and repair contracts, as well as dealing with the enforcement of claims against ships and ship arrests.

Vivian van der Kuil, meanwhile, will join AKD’s Transport and Energy team from Van Traa as a senior associate. Vivian specialises in transport law, with a particular focus on maritime law, and has extensive experience of dealing with maritime casualties, as well as limitation of liability, assistance and wreck removal cases. Her expertise also extends to ship arrests and other procedures related to maritime law. Vivian has worked as a judge at the Rotterdam Court, dealing with transport law cases, among others. She has also undergone officer training at the Netherlands Royal Institute for the Navy and worked as an officer of the Maritime Service with the Royal Navy on board several ships.

“Maritime disputes are becoming increasingly more international and legally complex in their nature, and it is therefore imperative to strengthen the team to deal with the challenges that our clients face worldwide," said Haco van der Houven van Oordt, lead partner of AKD’s shipping and offshore practice. “The recruitment of Pieter and Vivian will enhance still further AKD’s proven ability to provide innovative solutions to often complex legal problems.”