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When can an insurer deny a claim

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When can an insurer deny a claim
When can an insurer deny a claim

An insurer deny a claim is a refusal by an insurer to indemnify an insured under the terms of an insurance contract.

Firstly, what forms an insurance contract? It is formed from three types of documents:

  • The Insurance Schedule
  • The Insurance Policy Wording
  • Any Endorsement

So, all of these must be read together to understand the terms of an insurance contract. Therefore, there are many terms in a contract of insurance that may be applied by an insurer for the purpose of refusing to indemnify an insured. Against popular belief of many insureds, this does not mean that insurers claim departments spend their time scrawling through insurance contracts to find a reason not to indemnify a client! Just to be clear for readers of this article, by indemnify we mean not to defend an insured and/or not to pay out on a claim. Continue reading “When can an insurer deny a claim”

13 fire protection equipment items to check manually

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13 fire protection equipment items to check annually
13 fire protection equipment items to check annually

The Isle of Man Ship Registry has issued anew shipping notice earlier this year that sets out the minimum level of maintenance and inspection for 13 fire protection equipment items onboard, as required by SOLAS regulation II-2/14.

Overall, all fire protection systems and appliances must be in good order at all times and be readily available for immediate use while the ship is in service. If a fire protection system is undergoing maintenance, testing or repair, then suitable arrangements must be made to ensure safety is not diminished through the provision of alternate fixed or portable fire protection equipment or other measures. The onboard maintenance plan should include provisions for this purpose. Continue reading “13 fire protection equipment items to check manually”

Ageing fleet driving increase in incidents

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Detentions casualties losses and world fleet
Detentions casualties losses and world fleet

A clear uptick in casualties in 2024, driven by machinery damage/failure and an ageing fleet, stands out in the latest analysis of Lloyd’s List Intelligence casualty data.

The number of maritime casualties rose by 15% in 2024. Coupled with a 7% rise in casualties in 2023, this represents a concerning development for the maritime industry, particularly with the global fleet growing at a considerably slower rate. This trend has now been established for several years. While the overall number of incidents declined by 5% be tween 2014 and 2018, the figure has increased every year since. Between 2018 and 2024, the number of incidents increased by 42%. Over the same period, the number of vessels in the global fleet increased by 10%. Continue reading “Ageing fleet driving increase in incidents”

Best practices on sampling procedures

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Best practices on sampling procedures
Best practices on sampling procedures

West P&I Club has published a loss prevention bulletin addressing the issue of cargo contamination claims and highlights best practices on sampling procedures.

According to West, cargo contamination claims are a major risk for tanker operators, often resulting in expensive disputes. Properly taken, sealed, and stored samples are essential to prove cargo quality at the time of loading. As tanker cargoes are loaded through closed systems, pre-loading inspection is not possible. Samples are the shipowner’s main defence in off-spec claims as they provide critical evidence to identify when and where contamination occurred, reducing claim costs and response time. Continue reading “Best practices on sampling procedures”

Dewatering system valves found in closed position

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Dewatering system valves found in closed position
Dewatering system valves found in closed position

This notice, issued by ABS, summarizes recent observations on bulk carriers where non-compliance with the requirements of SOLAS Chapter XII, Regulation 13.1 was identified in the forecastle space dewatering system manually operated suction valves.

On bulk carriers and in accordance with SOLAS Regulation XII/13.1, MSC/Circ.1069 and IACS UI SC179, the arrangements for draining and pumping ballast tanks located forward of the collision bulkhead and the bilges of any dry space Continue reading “Dewatering system valves found in closed position”

CINS issues guidance on shipping lithium-ion cells in containers

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CINS issues guidance on shipping lithium-ion cells in containers
CINS issues guidance on shipping lithium-ion cells in containers

CINS – the Cargo Incident Network System – has published its CINS Lithium- ion Cells Guidelines. Published in conjunction with the International Group of P&I Clubs and the TT Club, the document has been produced by Members of the CINS Lithium-ion Cells Work Group and offers guidance on shipping lithium-ion cells.

Lithium-ion cells are primary elements of a battery and can exist in various forms. Commonly used in portable electronics and electric vehicles, their defining characteristic is the ability to accumulate, store and release electrical energy through the movement of lithium-ions between a positive and a negative electrode. Continue reading “CINS issues guidance on shipping lithium-ion cells in containers”

Enhanced safety regulations could advance maritime electrification

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Enhanced safety regulations could advance maritime electrification
Enhanced safety regulations could advance maritime electrification

The maritime industry is having to contend with an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. The introduction of FuelEU Maritime at the beginning of the year has, for the first time, established comprehensive regulations for phasing out the use of fossil fuels by vessels sailing in Europe and the start of maritime electrification. Additionally, the recent outcomes from MEPC 83 suggest a likely introduction of a new global carbon pricing mechanism for international shipping. Continue reading “Enhanced safety regulations could advance maritime electrification”

Navigating the Risks: Lithium-Ion Batteries, Electric Vehicles, and Fire Safety in the Maritime Industry

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Navigating the Risks: Lithium-Ion Batteries, Electric Vehicles, and Fire Safety in the Maritime Industry
Navigating the Risks: Lithium-Ion Batteries, Electric Vehicles, and Fire Safety in the Maritime Industry

INTRODUCTION

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are an everyday essential item embedded in everyday life, found throughout the world and in almost every household or workplace in one form or another. We can find them in portable devices such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, power banks and cordless vacuums, all the way through to electric vehicles (EVs) – scooters, buses, cars and bikes. However, their widespread use has led to a surge in fire incidents, particularly involving EVs. Recent media reports and insurance data highlight a 17% increase in Li-ion battery-related fires in New Zealand alone1. As the maritime industry embraces the global shift toward electrification, the integration of Li-ion batteries and EVs onboard vessels presents both opportunities and significant fire safety challenges. This article explores the science behind Li-ion batteries, the risks they pose, and the implications for maritime operations, drawing on recent incidents and emerging mitigation strategies. Continue reading “Navigating the Risks: Lithium-Ion Batteries, Electric Vehicles, and Fire Safety in the Maritime Industry”

Mediterranean MoU Annual Report 2024

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Mediterranean MoU Annual Report 2024
Mediterranean MoU Annual Report 2024

The Mediterranean MoU has published its Annual Report on Port State Control in the Mediterranean region for 2024.

In the report, it said its 11 member states carried out 5,993 inspections on 4,907 individual ships, and the number of detentions increased by 20% to record 196 detentions in 2024.

Out of these inspections, 61% of the inspections (3,661) recorded with deficiencies, the total number of detainable deficiencies recorded was 1,290 deficiencies—16% of those deficiencies were related to Recognised Organisations. Continue reading “Mediterranean MoU Annual Report 2024”

AI is empowering shipowners to tackle new safety management challenges

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AI is empowering shipowners to tackle new safety management challenges
AI is empowering shipowners to tackle new safety management challenges

It is no secret that the maritime industry is undergoing a digital transformation, and one of the key innovations increasingly making waves is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into safety management systems as AI is empowering shipowners.

The increased documentation required following the gamut of new rules and procedures place increasing demands on seafarers but companies such as WiseStella are leveraging AI to ease the cognitive burden to enhance safety across the global fleet. “Seafarers today are faced with an overwhelming amount of information and documentation to manage,” explains Ali Demiral, Chief Technology Officer, and AI lead at WiseStella. “This cognitive load can be a significant source of stress, especially when it comes to tackling complex safety assessments. But AI-powered technology can provide seafarers and ship managers with the tools they need to navigate these new requirements with confidence.” Continue reading “AI is empowering shipowners to tackle new safety management challenges”

Historic canals repurposed to address modern UK’s challenges

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Historic canals repurposed to address modern UK’s challenges
Historic canals repurposed to address modern UK’s challenges

A new report highlights how the UK’s historic canals have been repurposed, originally a product of the Industrial Revolution, they are being adapted to tackle key contemporary issues. These interconnected waterways, rich in biodiversity, are contributing to efforts addressing the biodiversity crisis, improving public health, and mitigating some effects of climate change.

The Canal & River Trust, a charity responsible for maintaining 2,000 miles of canals across England and Wales, has released an Impact Report demonstrating the ongoing relevance of these waterways. The report also details the challenges posed by the ageing infrastructure and the organisation’s efforts to preserve and enhance the UK canal network. Continue reading “Historic canals repurposed to address modern UK’s challenges”

UK Lords Committee criticises delay in implementing recommendations from marine accident reports

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UK Lords Committee criticises delay in implement recommendations from marine accident reports
UK Lords Committee criticises delay in implementing recommendations from marine accident reports

In its 44th report of Session 24-26, the cross-party House of Lords Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee has criticised the length of time taken by the Marine and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to implement recommendations from marine accident reports, made by the Merchant Shipping (Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure) Regulations 2025 (the Regulations). The Regulations set out various requirements for small and large vessels and introduce additional requirements arising from recommendations made in two reports by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch. Continue reading “UK Lords Committee criticises delay in implementing recommendations from marine accident reports”

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