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An Eye on P&I Episode 18: Loss of The X-Press Pearl – What now?

Listen to Marsh’s podcast on the X‑Press Pearl disaster — causes, nurdle pollution, salvage and $1bn+ claims. Subscribe to follow all 3 parts.

Join Chloe Taylor and Special Adviser John Trew for a three-part podcast series unpacking the X-Press Pearl disaster — the 2021 loss of a container ship off Colombo, Sri Lanka, that sparked extensive pollution claims and a complex legal fallout. Across the episodes they examine what caused the fire and sinking, the environmental challenges of persistent nurdle pollution, the vast financial exposure facing shipowners and the International Group Pool, and the contentious Sri Lankan Supreme Court judgment. Alongside technical and legal analysis, the series explores human consequences, questions of expert independence, and broader policy issues such as places of refuge and international liability conventions that remain unresolved.

In this first episode of the series, the hosts review the 2021 X-Press Pearl disaster off Colombo, Sri Lanka, noting widespread nurdle pollution, the Sri Lankan Supreme Court’s large damage awards (potentially over $1bn), Captain Tyutkalo’s prolonged detention, unclear damage calculations, questions over technical advisers’ independence, failures to grant refuge, and the possible strain on international insurers, ending with uncertainty and hope for a diplomatic resolution.

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Key takeaways

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Overspill claims can severely strain the mutual system and require careful management.

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Transparent and robust methodologies are essential for assessing large environmental damages.

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Improved international regulations are needed on crew treatment, places of refuge, and hazardous cargo carriage.

About our speakers

John Trew

Special Adviser, Marine, Cargo & Logistics

  • United Kingdom

Chloe Taylor

Client Manager, Marine, Cargo & Logistics

  • United Kingdom

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