October 19 - Dutch law firm AKD has appointed Jan Kromhout as a partner in its shipping and offshore team.

Jan (pictured below) began his career in Rotterdam with the law firm Nauta Dutilh. He joined AKD, a leading operator in the international market for heavy marine transport, in 2005, where he became head of the legal department, gaining extensive experience of arranging contracts involving the oil and gas industry.

Jan works closely with shipping companies in drawing up transport contracts, arranging charter parties, co-operation agreements, shipbuilding contracts and vessel financing arrangements. He has a comprehensive knowledge and extensive experience of assessing and negotiating marine insurance arrangements, including cover for vessels and equipment. His experience also covers the handling of offshore installation and production contracts, including - but not limited to - Construction All Risks insurance.

Jan says, "I am delighted to have been offered a partnership at AKD. I am at the firm I want to be at, doing the work I enjoy. Shipping is going through a tough time, but it is a resilient industry and I relish helping existing and new clients to navigate a way through the current difficulties."

Haco van der Houven van Oordt, head of the shipping & offshore team at AKD's headquarters in Rotterdam, says, "Jan is a valued member of our team. He has the blend of shipping and legal experience which we are always looking for, and which we believe adds value to the service we offer our clients."