DUAL Europe has launched its cargo insurance business, effective September 1st, 2025, led by Chris Wittoeck as Head of Cargo, marking the strategic expansion of the firm’s marine proposition following the successful rollout of its Marine hub in September 2023.
He will be supported by a team of experienced underwriters, including Marc Stoopman, Lead Underwriter Cargo at DUAL Benelux, a veteran marine, cargo, and logistics insurance specialist with over three decades of experience.
Stoopman has held senior roles at TenneT, Marsh, where he led the Marine, Cargo & Logistics department in the Netherlands, and Starr Underwriting Agents (Lloyd’s) and Overvliet Assurantiemakelaars. In his career, he has experience in underwriting and broking, with a focus on sectors such as offshore contracting, shipbuilding, and logistics.
The pair’s combined experience and international perspective will form a solid foundation for DUAL’s pan-European cargo proposition. In the next couple of months, the team will expand with additional professionals, starting in Germany and then expanding to other European markets.
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 offers all risks plus cargo-related extensions, such as Waterborne War Worldwide, and protects traders, producers, manufacturers, exporters, importers, road carriers, and freight forwarders.
The offer also includes cargo property and liability protection, as well as stock and transit coverage, including cargo types, from soft and hard commodities to general and project cargo. Both lead and follow lines of underwriting are available.
Aram Stoop, Managing Director, DUAL Marine Europe, commented, “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, Chief Executive Officer, 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.”
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