Disciplined Underwriting Increases UK P&I Club Free Reserves

The UK P&I Club, one of the largest and oldest providers of mutual liability insurance to ship owners, announced its financial results for the year ended February 20, 2013.

Highlights
•    Surplus of $9.5 million increases free reserves and hybrid capital to new high of $494 million
•    S&P rating upgraded to: A- (Positive outlook)
•    $4.11 free reserves per gross ton
•    Strongest renewal season in recent years, increasing gross tonnage to 120 million
•    Combined ratio of 104%, with a four year average of 100%
•    3.7% investment return of $39.6 million (1.5% in 2012)
•    Total assets of $1.56 billion
•    Club has maintained focus on disciplined underwriting and a balanced book
•    Average cost of claims continues to rise, despite continued low total volume of claims

Dino Caroussis, Chairman of the UK P&I Club, said, “In the year under review, the Club has strengthened financially, increasing its free reserves and capital to $494 million, a new high. Further, in evidence that the Club's strategy of disciplined underwriting is being recognized as achieving results, S&P has upgraded the Club to A- (positive outlook). “This last renewal season was one of our strongest in recent years, with mutual owned tonnage growing to 120 million gross tons, maintaining our position at the top of the P&I market. This increase reflects the Club’s aim to grow with quality tonnage at the right premium rating. “However, the Board is very conscious of the need to strike a sensible balance between the financial requirements of the Club and the needs of Members, in what is a very weak market for most shipping sectors.”

Hugo Wynn-Williams, Chairman of Thomas Miller P&I, the Club’s managers said:, “This is a strong set of results but it does not allow for complacency. The combined ratio for the financial year of 104% is within the Club’s tolerances in the short term, taking into account the current elevated claims environment.  “The increased claims on the 2012 policy year are a warning that, despite weak global economic growth, claims inflation, particularly in the higher value claims, will continue. It is, therefore, essential to maintain a disciplined approach to underwriting in the coming years to achieve the target of a balanced underwriting result over the claims cycle.  “We recognize the economic reality facing ship owners and in addition to our financial strategy, we will continue to help Members reduce their claims exposure through our extensive loss prevention activity.”