DUAL launches Cargo Insurance in Europe

11 September 2025 – DUAL Europe is proud to announce the launch of its cargo insurance business, effective from 1 September 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).

Chris 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, as well as at 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.

Commenting on the launch, Aram Stoop, Managing Director, DUAL Marine Europe, said: "Over the last two years, our marine business has grown dramatically with fantastic support from our network of brokers. This new addition to our marine proposition is driven by the demand for a solution-driven approach, including niche sectors. 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 added: “In an increasingly complex world, our team of highly skilled cargo insurance professionals brings together diverse expertise and deep industry experience. We are built to deliver 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. With this approach, we aim to become the preferred partner for clients, brokers, and capacity providers, trusted for our technical excellence and for our commitment to long-term success and collaboration.”

Olaf Jonda, CEO, DUAL Europe, concluded: “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.”