This hub event catering for the local maritime cluster and even including guests from Norway, Malaysia and Hong Kong attracted shipping companies, brokers, class, yards, salvors, lawyers, banks and management companies alike. All important business partners and associates of the Club.
Going forward
Having been welcomed by Director of Underwriting, David Bellamy, our CEO and Managing Director, John Wiik gave a brief synopsis of the status of the Club post 2010 and addressed the issue of the Club's role in an ever stringent shipping regime. With the backdrop a solid product and service platform he emphasized the importance of sustainability going forward in order to properly serve the shipping industry above and beyond the transactional paying of premium and settling of claims. Norwegian Hull Club's goal going forward is to be the very best in responding to contingency situations when an insured requires assistance most.
He also observed how the history of the Club traces the development of marine insurance, from its property roots covering damage to vessels; to liability in the form of P&I at the turn of the last century; to loss of income spurred by the Suez crisis and now human capital with the advent of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) soon to be ratified. Property, Liability, Income and Crew.
More than a Hull Club
In order to visualize the diversified service and product platform on offer to brokers and their clients - our customers and members, David then introduced colleagues Hans Christian Seim, Director of Energy Offshore & Special Risks; Powan Li, Senior Underwriter for Charterers Liability; and Ivar Hanestad from our daughter company Marine Benefits. With "More than a Hull Club" as the theme, the trio presented their respective products and areas of focus, emphasizing and underlining the wide range of coverage the Club can now offer, 174 years after our humble beginnings in 1837.
A journey in claims handling
Director of Client Services, Geir Skoglund together with Director of Claims Handling Åge Solberg, were left to provide the finale of the seminar. "Tomorrow never dies.......Contingencies in the past, present and future..." saw us being taken back to January, 1976 and the reports of the «Berge Istra» disappearing on her way from Brazil to Japan with a crew of 30 onboard. The seasoned presenters then took us on a journey of well known casualties from then until the present day highlighting how claims reporting, information gathering, media focus and claims handling have developed since; and not least what we may expect in the future as technology's ever increasing role in all aspects of our working lives continues to progress.
Culinary conclusion
The seminar concluded by hosts and guests being treated to the hotel's culinary BBQ pleasures, with not even the inclement weather dampening spirits. Thank you to all those who attended, contributing to the success of the event.