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, G
roupe 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 a
tive 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 ha
s held senior roles at TenneT, Marsh (where he led the Marine, Cargo & Logistic
s 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 pro
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fessionals will join the team in the coming months, starting with Germany and then expanding to other Euro
pean 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 ne
eds of brokers and their clients through comprehensive, tailor-m
extensions, such as Waterborne War Worldwide, and provides protection for traders, producers, manufacturers, expo
rters, importers, road carriers, and freight forwarders. The offer also includes cargo propert
and liability protection, stock and transit coverage, and acceptance of all cargo types, from soft and hard comm
odities to general and project cargo. Both lead and follow lines underwriting are available.
“Over the last two years, our marine business has grown dramatically wit
h fantastic support from our network of brokers,” commented Aram Stoop, managing director, DUAL Marine Europe, in a statement.