NorthStandard remains on course after year of headwinds for marine insurers

20 February 2025 – NorthStandard has finished a challenging year for global marine insurance, reporting an increase in poolable tonnage and continuing progress towards meeting its strategic goals.

Marine insurers worldwide saw a rise in the number of large claims in the year ending 20 February, alongside compromised Asia-Europe ship routing choices and a growing number of ‘shadow’ tankers seeking cover outside the International Group of P&I Clubs system.

Nevertheless, NorthStandard reported poolable tonnage of 270M GT at year-end, up from 260M GT at the same time last year, with growth continuing two years after the foundation of the club in 2023.

NorthStandard’s premium income is also expected to increase to over US$870 million, compared to US$836 million in 2023-24. Despite volatile markets in the early weeks of 2025, the club’s full-year returns on investment are expected to be over 5%.

The ability to ride out turbulence proved especially useful in 2024-25, with NorthStandard entering four claims into the IG pool.

“In years like these, shipping relies heavily on its top P&I providers, and the advantages of the mutual pooling system are evident to everyone,” said Thya Kathiravel, Chief Underwriting Officer at NorthStandard. “It is clear that 2024-25 has posed significant challenges for underwriting, as we are experiencing a predicted increase in high-value claims throughout the year.”

Changing risks, inflationary pressures, and uncertainties in investment markets prompted NorthStandard to apply a 5% general increase across its blue water membership.

In a year of strategic development, NorthStandard added to its pioneering Get Set! portfolio of vessel-based loss prevention solutions and invested locally in its office network worldwide. Its Sunderland Marine and Coastal & Inland teams also launched a new ‘one-stop’ shop product for smaller commercial vessels worldwide. In markets targeted for commercial growth, the insurer entered several strategic partnerships, including NIORD in Norway. Nick Wolfe, Chief of Specialty with NorthStandard, commented, “the new products and strategic initiatives are a valuable opportunity to expand NorthStandard’s reach in rapidly developing markets. By combining our extensive knowledge, experience, and technical expertise, we can better address the evolving needs of our members.”

“Despite strong headwinds, NorthStandard’s capital strength, diversified businesses and service excellence deliver resilience for market highs, lows and volatility,” commented Nick Jelley, Chief Financial Officer, NorthStandard. “Growing tonnage and revenues demonstrate that we continue to enjoy the support and confidence of our membership, with the reach, resources and robustness to tackle the challenges global shipping will face in the years ahead.”

About NorthStandard:

NorthStandard is one of the leading providers of global marine insurance products and services across the maritime industries. Established through the merger of North P&I Club and the Standard Club in February 2023 and ‘A’ rated by S&P Global, NorthStandard has premium revenues exceeding US$870 million, free reserves of US$803 million and mutual pool tonnage surpassing 270 million GT.

From headquarters in the UK and with offices throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas, NorthStandard offers a unique blend of worldwide presence and class-leading expertise across multiple specialist areas, including P&I, FD&D, War Risks, Strike & Delay, Hull and Machinery and ancillary insurance. Its Sunderland Marine and Coastal & Inland divisions also provide cover for owners’ fixed premium P&I, fishing vessels, inland waterway and coastal trading vessels, and specialist aquaculture insurance for fish farms and angling lakes. NorthStandard’s comprehensive local market and sector knowledge is underpinned by continuous investments in market-leading digital technologies.

NorthStandard is a leading member of the International Group of P&I Clubs (IG) and is fully committed to upholding the shared objectives of its 12 independent member clubs, which provide liability cover for approximately 85% of the world’s ocean-going tonnage.