P&I Correspondents
Experts with local knowledge
Our expertise extends far beyond claims management. We offer local knowledge and insights, guiding you through legal and operational challenges. Our dedicated staff have a good understanding of maritime law and regulations, acting as an essential local knowledge centre between ship-owners, charterers, P&I clubs, and local authorities. We ensure efficient and effective resolution of disputes and incidents. What truly sets us apart is our in-depth mariner knowledge. Our P&I Correspondents have backgrounds in the maritime industry (including P&IQ qualifications), allowing them to understand the, technical, practical, and legal aspects of safe and prudent shipping.
This unique perspective ensures that we can assess situations from both a legal and operational standpoint, offering well-rounded and practical advice. Whether dealing with the aftermath of a collision, a pollution incident or a crew injury, our team’s problem solving experience ensures that we can handle complex issues with personal precision and speed.
Ports covered
Located in the port city of Antwerp, our team of Correspondents cover the following sea ports in Belgium:
- Antwerp / Antwerpen
- Ghent / Gent
- Ostend / Oostende
- Zeebrugge
From the North Sea to the Baltic
Operating across Belgium and beyond, we are your reliable partner in safeguarding the interests of your business, minimising risks and delays, and providing the expertise you need to navigate through the (potential) liability challenges of the maritime world. With our unique combination of legal knowledge and practical seafaring experience, you can count on us to deliver effective, reliable and prompt assistance and solutions when you need it most.
With a network of three offices we cover all Dutch, Danish and Belgian ports and waterways, connecting the North Sea, waterways and ports in Scandinavia and the Baltic area.
Located in Antwerp, we offer services related to all kinds of P&I/FD&D incidents in all ports in Belgium. Our network of dedicated specialist service providers including surveyors, medical specialists and lawyers enables us to provide the required services to the shipping community, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Telephone
Call our 24/7 available telephone line if you have an emergency incident or query where we can assist: +32 3 206 00 50
Call our 24/7 available telephone line if you have an emergency incident or query where we can assist: +32 3 206 00 50
General email
For less urgent matters send an email to our general email address: antwerp@belgianpandi.com
For less urgent matters send an email to our general email address: antwerp@belgianpandi.com
P&I Clubs / Underwriters
Belgian P&I is listed by the vast majority of the IG P&I Clubs and other P&I insurers.
Our team is ready
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Gilles Baetens
- Email address:
- gilles.baetens@belgianpandi.com
- Phone number:
- +32 476 86 02 76
- LinkedIn:
- View profile
Gilles is a Claims Handler at Belgian P&I, specialising in maritime claims and legal advisory services for shipowners, charterers, operators, and other industry stakeholders. He holds a Master's degree in Law and has undergone specialised training in Maritime & Transport law. He also has over a decade of experience as a marine insurance broker. His expertise includes Hull and Liability matters, and he is also experienced in claims handling. In addition to his claims work, Gilles serves as the Belgian office Director, ensuring smooth coordination and collaboration between the offices and colleagues in the Netherlands and Denmark.
Monique Lardot
- Email address:
- monique.lardot@belgianpandi.com
- Phone number:
- +32 478 98 98 06
Ms. Monique Lardot holds a law degree from the University of Lausanne. She began her career as a lawyer in a law firm in Lausanne and later worked as an assistant in commercial and contract law at the Law Faculty of the University of Lausanne. Monique joined Belgian P&I in April 1996 and specialises in cargo claims and legal matters in our P&I Correspondent team.
Hilde Van Stiphout
- Email address:
- hilde.vanstiphout@belgianpandi.com
- Phone number:
- +32 472 20 17 83
- LinkedIn:
- View profile
Hilde works as P&I Correspondent and has a proven track record in nautical studies, as evidenced by her Master's degree in Nautical Sciences from the Antwerp Maritime Academy. Through her studies and on-board internships, she has acquired in-depth knowledge of ship operations, navigation and maritime logistics. She also holds a Bachelor's degree in International Business and Languages, giving her a strong understanding of global trade and communication. This unique combination of maritime expertise and business acumen enables her to seamlessly integrate the technical aspects of shipping with its commercial dimensions.
Elle De Soomer
As P&I Correspondent at Belgian P&I, Ms. Elle handles various maritime incidents in Belgium, with a focus on the legal aspects of claims and liability assessments. Holding a Master's degree in Law with a specialisation in Maritime and Transport Law, she previously worked for over 12 years at the Royal Belgian Shipowners' Association. In this role, she was involved in legal matters and shipping policy.
Debby Panken
Debby Panken works as an office assistant at Belgian P&I, where she provides vital administrative support to the claims handlers team. Debby takes great satisfaction in finding innovative solutions to challenges and is always eager to assist the claims team in any way she can. Prior to joining Belgian P&I, Debby developed a strong interest in the maritime industry through her supportive roles for shipping agencies, freight forwarders and a ship's classification society.