Hull & Machinery
Our role is to promote the swift and amicable resolution of claims on hull and machinery policies through our expertise in the law and practice of marine insurance.
Our services are tailored to the needs of each client and the size of the claim and may range from giving an opinion on liability to producing a full adjustment of the claim. In order to achieve this, we work in close conjunction with shipowners, insurers and brokers to ensure that claims are presented as quickly and efficiently as possible.
By maintaining close communication with the parties, areas of potential dispute are identified at an early stage and dealt with in a non-adversarial manner. This helps our clients protect their commercial relationships and supports the swift resolution of claims in a cost-effective manner.
General Average
General average is an internationally recognised system of casualty management whereby certain losses or expenses are shared between all those involved in the common maritime adventure.
From the earliest stage of any casualty, the role of the average adjuster is to ensure the efficient management of the general average, including the collection of general average security in respect of contributions due from other interests. On a modern container vessel this may mean dealing with thousands of bills of lading, and our specialised IT resources mean that even security collections of the largest scale can be effected quickly, and the interests of the parties protected.
We also advise on special general average clauses to be included in hull and machinery policies which avoid the necessity of collecting general average security on smaller casualties, and clauses incorporated in charterparties.
Our network of offices deals with the adjustment of general average worldwide.
Collision Liabilities
We provide specialist support across all stages of a collision claim.
From quantifying the measure of damages to preparing liability and recovery adjustments. This often involves coordinating with legal advisers and providing analysis needed to substantiate the claims and recoveries, supporting the timely resolution of disputes.
Shipbuilder’s Risks & Repairer’s Liabilities
Shipbuilders and repairers are obviously concerned for any delay in delivery to their customers which could cause dissatisfaction in an already extremely competitive business and future orders going elsewhere.
Many contracts contain penalty clauses and these need to be protected as far as possible. Our expert advice helps to minimise the effects of a casualty or where a problem is detected during the construction of a vessel, through the speedy presentation and settlement of insurance claims. We can offer advice to the shipyard, the broker and the insurer on all aspects of the claim.
Loss of Hire
A significant casualty will impair the vessel’s ability to trade with the result that its earnings will be adversely affected – perhaps seriously so in the event of a lengthy repair.
The specialist policies designed to mitigate the effect on earnings usually provide cover that responds to the operation of an insured peril in terms of the standard wordings of a hull and machinery policy. This often requires detailed investigation of the cause of the loss, analysis of the time recoverable and the application of any excess period. The complex issues that can arise mean that an adjuster can assist in promoting the swift resolution of claims.
Consulting Surveyors
Our consulting surveyors support our adjusters by providing independent expert analysis of the cause and timing of damage.
Our consulting surveyors have significant engineering experience, having served aboard many types of ocean-going commercial vessels , military vessels, passenger ferry & cruise vessels, and yachts, in addition to having experience of the shoreside infrastructure used while trading. The vessels served on, and the claims that they have assisted with over many years, feature a broad variety of main and auxiliary engine types and the ancillary machinery and systems involved in the operation of the vessels. They are therefore able to offer independent expert analysis of the technical aspects of claims, including of repair options, and of timing and cause of damage.
They support our adjusters in being fully informed on the technical and practical nature of the claims they are working on. Their years of experience in working daily alongside average adjusters mean they are uniquely placed to assist in solving many of the difficulties which arise in relation to complex claims.
They also provide technical training sessions both in-house for our adjusters and for clients on various subjects concerning the vessels, engines and equipment involved in a claim to assist in the understanding of these aspects.
Major Casualty Security Collections
The collection of general average security and salvage security has long been part of the Average Adjuster’s role.
This has become more complex and demanding, particularly when large container vessels are involved. Handling collections where interests are numbered in thousands rather than hundreds demands specialised expertise, resources, and proven technology systems.
Training & Education
Our annual Maritime Law and Marine Insurance Course has been running for over 50 years and is internationally renowned for the thorough and in-depth nature of the training provided.
In addition to this, our adjusters lecture at a variety of seminars and law courses on a regular basis. We can also provide smaller in-house courses suited to the specific needs of our clients.