Maritime and logistics industries are not exempt from today’s unprecedented levels of global uncertainty. Increasing environmental standards and industry regulation, coupled with technological advances and use of big data, are accelerating the velocity and convergence of risk. Novel and unexpected risks such as pandemics, supply chain shocks, cyber threats, and backlogs caused by delays worldwide add to the disruption faced by maritime and logistics companies.
This changing global landscape necessitates swift adaptation by ship owners and operators, managers of ports and terminals, and cargo and logistics service organizations. These businesses also must contend with insurance markets’ sharp reaction to losses, which is driving price, reducing cover, and making claims resolutions more complicated.
With the right guidance, insurance programs, and risk mitigation strategies, maritime and logistics companies can skillfully navigate the changing risk landscape to minimize losses and liabilities, and exploit opportunities for future-proofing growth and resilience.
We have the scale, scope, and market presence to solve almost any risk problem facing your organization.
An increased demand for Jones Act compliant vessels, driven by the growth of offshore wind and general supply chain concerns, has given rise to new investment in shipyards and long-neglected infrastructure projects.
However, industry leaders must also contend with a series of historic and emerging risks including an aging maritime workforce, rising freight and fuel costs, redeveloping brownfield sites, managing hazardous materials, preparing for decarbonization in shipping, and the growing threat of cyberattacks.
A comprehensive approach to risk management is essential for organizations to ensure they are prepared for a continuously evolving maritime sector.
With over 100 years of marine expertise, our advisors will work with your company to minimize your risk exposures and navigate business-related challenges through our innovative application of industry-leading data, analytics, and benchmarking.
Physical loss or damage to property that is owned, or for which an insured has responsibility at the time a loss or damage occurs, is considered the main (and most obvious) area of risk exposure. Fire, explosion, or ‘perils of the sea’ risks such as grounding, stranding, sinking, and capsizing, would be major risks for vessels. In some locations, war, strikes, piracy, or ice damage also pose risks. For goods being shipped by sea, there are the added risks of transit or wetting damage, theft, or short delivery – and all are common loss events. In addition to physical losses, liabilities incurred during maritime operations are a major risk exposure.
As economies emerge from pandemic restrictions, the health of port employees and visiting crews remains a major challenge. New ways of working, new technologies, and digitization present further challenges, but opportunities as well. Congestion and environmental regulations are also significant issues.
Cargo insurance primarily offers protection against accidental physical loss or damage while goods are in transit. However, it may be extended to cover goods in temporary storage, during their overall transit along the supply chain. Cargo insurance also typically offers additional cover for any general average or salvage charges that the cargo owner becomes obligated to pay.
Increased demand for speed and data, decreased income, delays in port, cargo accumulations, healthcare crises on vessels and in ports, and changes in trading patterns due to global health precautions have all been exacerbated by the pandemic.
The physical and mental well-being of seafarers is a top priority for the maritime community, more than ever. The Neptune Declaration, which aims to protect and promote the safety and well-being of seafarers, was recently issued. Many seafarers were stranded on vessels far beyond their employment contract date, leading to profound safety and emotional well-being risk. Marsh, along with more than 800 organizations, has signed the Neptune Declaration and in doing so is committed to bettering conditions for these essential workers.
Global Head, Marine & Cargo
CEO, Marine & Cargo Practice, UK and Ireland
Global Sales Leader, Marine and Cargo Practice, Marsh
Managing Director, Marine Practice, Marsh Specialty North America
Head of Marine & Cargo Latin America & Caribbean
Managing Director, Head of Marine & Cargo North West Europe & Switzerland
CEO, Marine Practice Leader, Eastern Mediterranean Region
Marine Practice Leader, MENA
Managing Director, Head of Marine Asia, Marsh
