Indemnity Association News

Collaboration between risk management and insurance sectors will focus on education, training and guidance to reduce maritime cyber riskABSG Consulting Inc. (ABS Consulting), a subsidiary of ABS focused on safety and risk management, and American Steamship Owners Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association, Inc. (the American Club) have joined forces to provide education, training and insurance guidance that address maritime cyber security.As digital transformation in the maritime industry brings both opportunities and new challenges…

North P&I Club announced it has completed the integration of the Sunderland Marine Insurance Company Limited business into parent company The North of England Protecting and Indemnity Association Limited.The formal transfer of business, which takes effect Tuesday, comes six years after the merger of interests between North and Sunderland Marine in 2014.North Chief Executive Paul Jennings says the integration further embeds Sunderland Marine’s specialist fishing and coastal vessels…

US Coast Guard and other federal agencies are operating at a reduced capacity following US government shutdown, said North of England Protecting and Indemnity Association (North P&I Club).Since 21 December 2018, the US Government has been in shutdown following the failure of Congress to agree federal funding. With no end in sight, it is the longest shutdown in US history, it said."We have not received any indications as yet that the shutdown is causing significant disruption to shipping," said a statement from North P&I Club. However, it outlines how the federal agencies relevant to shipping are affected by the shutdown as follows:The…

North of England Protecting and Indemnity Association (North P&I Club) has been awarded the government-backed Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation, which is awarded to companies who have successfully implemented systems to protect themselves against common cyber threats.With constant technical innovation, new dangers are frequently coming to the surface, therefore the Cyber Essentials scheme is designed to improve the resilience of UK businesses to the most common cyber security threats.Cyber Essentials Plus is a more advanced level of assurance and includes an additional internal scan and on-site assessment.

Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) has announced the re-launch of WISTA Japan. "We are delighted to welcome Japan back to our WISTA family. Japan plays an important role in the maritime industry, being the second ship owing nation in the world and we are positive that WISTA Japan will contribute greatly to the aims and mission of WISTA International," said Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou, President of WISTA International. "I am very gland to re-launch WISTA Japan and to be registered as the official member of WISTA International. In the shipping industry in Japan, it is both socially and politically meaningful to create a women's association. We are looking forward to growing with WISTA International," said Shoko Kamimori, President of WISTA Japan.

Following a request by The Shipowners’ Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association (Luxembourg), as from 19 May 2017 AM Best will  no longer provide a rating of the Club. This decision was taken by the Club in December 2016 following a review of the costs and benefits of maintaining two interactive ratings, coupled with a review of market practice and appetite for rating information. The Shipowners Board concluded that Members’ interests would be best served by having only one rating in future. This rating will be provided by Standard & Poor’s, who currently rate Shipowners at ‘A’ (Stable outlook). The Club’s rating underlines the financial strength of the Club.

Signal Mutual Indemnity Association, a self-insured group provider of Longshore benefits, presented MSHS President Are Friesecke with the Francis R. Sharp Executive Leadership In Safety award at the association’s meeting in Park City, Utah. Friesecke was selected from more than 240 other member CEO’s in recognition for the steady and innovative improvements in safety under his leadership. Hoock added, “I would say it this way. Are is making it personal, and taking it personal.” Signal Mutual even uses examples of MSHS processes as training guides for other Mutual Members.

The inauguration of new The Nautical Institute (Singapore) Branch was hosted by the Singapore Shipping Association and sponsored by the Shipowners’ Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association (Luxemburg), Singapore Branch, during Singapore Maritime Week. Members of the Institute attending were welcomed by the President of The Nautical Institute (Singapore) Branch, Capt. Duncan Telfer FNI and the Honorary Secretary Capt. Venkat Padmanabhan. Capt. Robert Mc Cabe FNI MSc Mgmt, President of the Nautical Institute, London, formally inaugurated the Singapore Branch on behalf of The Nautical Institute and presented the branch with a Nautical Institute plaque. In return, Capt. Mc Cabe was presented with an engraved pewter platter on behalf of the Singapore Branch. In his address, Capt.

The State University of New York Maritime College will confer the honorary degree of doctor of science degree on Morton S. Bouchard III, the president and CEO of Bouchard Transportation Company, Inc., during winter 2016 commencement exercises Friday, January 29. Mort Bouchard is his family's fourth generation to manage Bouchard Transportation Company, Inc., the largest privately owned ocean-going petroleum barge company in the United States. Bouchard Transportation operates on the East and Gulf coasts of the United States and in the Caribbean.

A Founding Father of Signal Passes Away (December 12, 1940 – January 1, 2015). It is with great sadness that the Managers of Signal Mutual Indemnity Association Ltd. must report the unexpected passing of John Chamberlain at the age of 74. A founding father of Signal, John began work for Charles Taylor in 1969; moving to the United States in the early 1980s to work with a leading maritime consulting and claims adjusting firm, Lamorte Burns, on the early development of the business which would eventually become Signal Mutual.

Insights: Morton S. Bouchard  III - President and CEO, Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc. When it comes to iconic, East Coast mainstays of the U.S. maritime industry, probably one of the first names that come to mind is ‘Bouchard.’ Likewise, Morton S. Bouchard III, who has served as President of Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc., the nation’s largest independently-owned oceangoing petroleum barge company since 1996, also needs no introduction to Marine News [and Marine Link] readers.

Freeman Freeman & Smiley say that its lead trial attorney  Robert S. Crowder (assisted by attorneys Russell R. Fisk and John D. Van Ackeren) have celebrated a win with their client, Tesoro Refining & Marketing Company LLC in a lawsuit filed by Plaintiffs North of England Protecting & Indemnity Association Limited, United Africa Petroleum Limited and General National Maritime Transport Company. Plaintiffs brought claims as insurer, owner and operator of the Libyan Motor Tanker Aljalaa for cleanup costs associated with an oil spill which occurred at Tesoro’s Long Beach, California, terminal on February 21, 2011. Although the M/T Aljalaa was admittedly responsible for the spill of its own fuel oil…

Matson, Inc., a U.S. carrier in the Pacific, announced today that Kevin O'Rourke, senior vice president and chief legal officer, is retiring after 21 years with Matson. O'Rourke will be succeeded by Peter Heilmann, who has been promoted to senior vice president and chief legal officer. O'Rourke joined Matson in 1992 as vice president and general counsel. He was promoted to senior vice president in 1995. His career has included over 30 years of experience in domestic and international maritime law. He has a thorough knowledge of the industry's federal regulatory bodies and government agencies.

Jodi Satches named 2011-2012 Safety Professional of the Year by Signal Mutual Indemnity Association Ltd. Ms. Satches is Bollinger's Vice President,Health, Safety & Environmental Services, and the award was presented to her recentlly at the Signal Mutual Board of Directors Meeting in Orlando. The Safety Professional of the Year Award is presented to the industry representative who has promoted employee safety and health throughout their organization, setting high safety standards based on personal values and commitment to the prevention of workplace injuries and illnesses.

Bollinger Shipyards president and CEO, Donald “Boysie” Bollinger, won the 2011 Executive Leadership Safety Award by Signal Mutual Indemnity Association. The award, which is Signal’s highest honor, was presented at the Signal Mutual Board of Directors meeting held on January 20, 2012 in Vail, Colorado. Bollinger was selected from the more than two hundred Signal Mutual Members based upon a number of factors including safety contributions to the industry. “This award is validation of the tireless efforts by every member of the Bollinger shipbuilding team in creating a safe working environment and a safety culture that is second to none,” said Bollinger.

Bollinger Shipyards president and chief executive officer, Donald “Boysie” Bollinger, has been awarded the 2011 Executive Leadership Safety Award by Signal Mutual Indemnity Association. The award, which is Signal’s highest honor, was presented at the Signal Mutual Board of Directors meeting held on January 20, 2012 in Vail, Colorado. Bollinger was selected from the more than two hundred Signal Mutual Members based upon a number of factors including safety contributions to the industry.

Great Lakes Shipyard, Cleveland, Ohio, has received the 2009 – 2010 Industry Leader Safety Award from the Signal Mutual Indemnity Association. This is the second time in recent years that the Great Lakes Shipyard was chosen to receive this award because of their outstanding safety performance with no “lost time” accidents. The shipyard’s commitment to safety is not new. The previous outstanding safety award was presented in 2004 - 2005. The company attributes its successful performance over the years to its extensive internal safety policies and training programs. Signal is the largest provider of Longshore and Harbor workers compensation insurance benefits in the United States.

BAE Systems Ship Repair’s Director of Safety Assurance, Phil Smith was named Signal Mutual's 2009 Safety Professional of the Year. The annual award honors safety professionals who are instrumental in the development and implementation of outstanding safety practices within their respective industries. Smith was also recognized for helping to improve safety culture by sharing best practices and new safety initiatives with other Signal Mutual member companies. Smith and the BAE…

The 2,400-teu containership MSC Carla, which was originally built in Sweden in 1972, broke in two during storms in the Atlantic during November 1997. The vessel was lengthened by South Korea’s Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) during 1984, the original contract being signed by Hyundai Corp and subsequently sub-contracted to HMD. At that time the owner was Sweden’s Brostrom. A US court has ruled that the loss ship was a result of deficiencies in work carried out at HMD during the lengthening operation. The North of England Protecting & Indemnity Association could recover $20m from HMD and Hyundai Corp (HMD’s owning company) after claiming that work was negligent, in breach of warranty, or otherwise gave rise to a product liability claim.

At its annual general meeting in in May, Jeanne M. Grasso was elected President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) . As President of WISTA USA, Ms. Grasso will serve as a member of the six-person elected board, which includes: Vice President Linda Turnbow (Ocean Shipholdings, Inc.); Treasurer Kathleen Haines (formerly of OMI Corporation); Membership Secretary Parker Harrison (American Steamship Owners Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association, Inc.); Recording Secretary Julie D. Kuchta (Bowen, Miclette & Britt); and National WISTA Association liaison,  Mary T. Reilly (Hill, Betts & Nash, LLP). Grasso, a respected and active member of the maritime community, has held leadership positions in various maritime organizations.

Singapore –Bunker Insurance The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a circular providing the names of additional insurers and underwriters that it has accepted for purposes of issuing Bunker Convention Certificates. The insurers and underwriters include: ·         QBE Insurance (International) Limited ·         British Marine Luxembourg S.A. ·         Navigators Insurance Company ·         Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. ·         Tokio Marine Insurance Singapore Ltd. ·         China Shipowners Mutual Assurance Association ·         The Korea Shipowner's Mutual Protection & Indemnity Association (www.mpa.gov.sg)

Crowley Maritime Corporation was recognized recently when Signal Mutual presented Crowley with their Gerald H. Halpin Safety Excellence Award at Signal's board of directors meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz. The award honors companies, insured by Signal, that demonstrate initiative and outstanding safety performance. Joe Roach, Signal's administration president, who presented the award to Crowley Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President Bill Pennella, told the Signal board of directors…

J. Arnold Witte Sr., President and CEO of Donjon Marine, Co., Inc. has been named Chairman of the American Steamship Owners Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association, Inc. (the American Club). The Club, established in New York in 1917, is a member of the International Group of Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Clubs, a collective of 13 mutuals, which together provide P&I insurance for some 90% of all world shipping. In addition to Mr. Witte’s duties with Donjon and the American Club, Mr. Witte Sr. is a Past President of the American Salvage Association (ASA), as well as a Past President and current Vice President of the International Salvage Union (ISU).