According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), an estimated 537 million adults aged 20-79 years are now living with diabetes – more than one in ten of all persons. And by 2030, the number is expected to rise to 643 million. For seafarers, the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes is higher than the rest of the population – probably partly due to work and other lifestyle factors. However, the risk can be greatly reduced by adopting a healthy lifestyle including adjustments to diet and increase in exercise. Knowing the ...

In May 2025 Gary Field will step down as Head of Underwriting and take on a new role as the Head of Club Development and Member Relationships. Rupert Harris will take over as Chief Underwriting Officer and remain as Head of Reinsurance. He will be working alongside Jerry Westmore (Head of European Underwriting), Sarah Chase (Head of Americas Underwriting), Eric Wu (Head of Eastern Underwriting), Peter Hulyer (Chief Commercial Officer) and our senior underwriting team as we continue to deliver against our vision to be the industry’s most trusted and ...

The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) is a Group of Flag States and classification societies. Their aim is to bridge the gap between the technology and regulatory processes. With safety in mind, they have developed a set of guidelines to help the maritime industry decarbonise. A thorough review of the International Safety Management (ISM) code Part A identified three areas where focus is needed to help all stakeholders: Uncertainty related to Safety Management System requirements development and implementation; Uncertainty related to emergency procedure development; and Uncertainty related to maintenance measures. Source: ...

Members are referred back to December 2023 circular by which the International Group (‘the Group’) approved the updated version of the Secro Customer and User Agreement, dated 13th November 2023, and the use of an additional Secro standard e-bill subject to English law and the Electronic Trade Documents Act 2023 (‘the UK Act’), in addition to the previously approved Secro standard e-bill (subject to Singapore law), which all remain approved for the purposes of Club cover. Secro has entered a partnership agreement with Covantis, a Swiss based technology company. As ...

A shipbroker’s failure to identify conflicting laycan clauses in a voyage charterparty led to a complex dispute and a US$100,000 claim, which ITIC has reimbursed. The case highlighted in ITIC’s recent Claims Review shows the importance of meticulous contract drafting and attention to detail in maritime agreements. Acting as the sole broker, the shipbroker was instructed by both the charterers and shipowners to include their preferred laycan (lay days and cancelling) clauses in the charterparty. Unfortunately, the broker inserted both clauses into the recap without realising they were contradictory. Neither ...

On 21 October 2024, the Price Cap Coalition (“Coalition”) issued an Updated Advisory for the Maritime Industry which sets out best practice recommendations for those involved in the trade of Russian origin crude oil and petroleum products. An Initial Advisory was published on 12 October 2023. The updated version provides new recommendations (Nos. 8-11) on meeting international maritime safety and environmental obligations, enhancing due diligence around tanker sales, avoiding interactions with sanctioned counterparties, and raising internal awareness. The Coalition confirms in the updated Advisory its commitment to facilitating the safe ...

While the industry continues its search for fuels that have less GHG emissions, the age-old method of utilising wind to propel ships is starting to come back into use with newer designs and technology. This is certainly a welcome development, but with new equipment comes new risks and responsibilities. If the risks are not adequately addressed in a charterparty, the good intentions to go green could quickly turn into a red-hot dispute. This article considers the impact of fitting wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) on contractual arrangements between shipowners and charterers. ...

Regulation 1.4 – Recruitment and Placement To provide further protection to seafarers, it is now a requirement that prior to or in the process of their engagement they are told of their rights under the system of financial protection established by private recruitment and placement agencies to compensate seafarers for monetary losses. Regulation 2.5 – Repatriation There have been occasions where Clubs have sought to repatriate stranded crew but have been prevented by local authorities who refuse to allow crew to leave the vessel as national laws require the presence ...

The maritime industry is required to continue to reduce its GHG emissions. One way to achieve this is to use onshore electrical power (“OSP”), often referred to as “cold ironing” or “alternative marine power”. Some larger ocean-going vessels calling at the EU will soon need to be built or retrofitted to exclusively use electrical power from the onshore grid at berth and avoid running their auxiliary engines. Potential advantages are lower bunker consumption resulting in reduced GHG emissions, as well as less air and noise and localised pollution in the ...

Skuld’s Board of Directors met in Hamilton, Bermuda, on 5 November 2024 to discuss the upcoming P&I renewal for the policy year starting 20 February 2025. The Board noted and agreed the following: The mutual portfolio so far in 2024 reflects a general increase in higher-value claims in the industry compared with the prior year. At the same time, the investment portfolio has contributed positively year to date. Skuld’s growth strategy continues to deliver positive results and is enhancing its overall performance. Premium income is expected to exceed USD 565 ...

The incurred cost of the Club’s own claims for the 2024/25 Policy Year are higher than the positive experience of 2023/24 but remain within the initial forecast. Current Policy Year claims on the International Group Pool have increased after two years of benign experience, with eleven reported claims as at the end of October, with a noticeable increase in activity, albeit West’s exposure is mitigated by the Club’s own Pool performance, reflected in its current low Pool share. Back-year claims experience has been mixed, with projections having to be increased ...

This was announced by Gard’s Board of Directors meeting last week. Gard CEO Rolf Thore Roppestad said: “With this, we continue our streak of returning capital to our membership, providing stability and consistency in a volatile time. We ensure financial robustness and long-term resilience, while at the same time not holding more capital than is needed.” With 16 consecutive years of offering an OGD, this is a new record for Gard. The discount reflects the group’s current capital situation as well as its expected overall performance. It is given as ...

Safety of ships relating to the use of fuel oil The minimum 60 degrees Celsius (°C) flashpoint limit in SOLAS Regulation II-2/4.2.1.1 is not new, but the regulations designed to prevent the supply of oil fuel in breach of this limit are. In November 2022, the IMO MSC 106 adopted amendments to SOLAS requiring bunker suppliers to provide ships with a declaration prior to bunkering, stating that the flashpoint of the actual oil fuel batch is in conformity with the flashpoint requirements of SOLAS. They also clarify that the required ...

So far, most of the discussion on FuelEU has centred on a vessel’s fuel requirements and how shipowners can reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity. However, because of the way in which penalties are imposed under FuelEU, the regulations will also have an impact on agreements to buy and sell vessels that have operated in the EU after 1 January 2025. Issues to be aware of To ensure that all penalties are paid even after a sale, the FuelEU regulations provide that, when there is a change of ownership of ...

The Shipowners’ Club, the leading P&I insurer in the smaller and specialist vessel sector, is pleased to announce its acquisition of Lloyd’s Managing General Agent (MGA), Waterborne. As a mutual organisation, the Shipowners’ Club exists to serve its Membership, seeking to provide the cover that they require and to provide Members’ with a first class service – to ensure their peace of mind. In order to respond to Members needs and to maintain our market leading position, we are delighted to announce that we have completed the purchase of Waterborne ...