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A ship afloat functions structurally as a beam, subject to various forces such as distributed loads, point loads, pressures, torsion, moments, and thermal stresses. These factors create stress concentrations—localized areas within the ship's structure where stress is significantly higher. This becomes even more critical when the vessel navigates in seas where the wave length matches the ship’s length. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/edMgyKhh #Claimar #Hull #HullInsurance #MarineSurveys

As investigations continue following the preliminary report on the MV Dali Bridge collision (Baltimore, March 26th, 2024), several key lessons are emerging, providing crucial guidance for insurers, charterers, and shipowners alike. ✅ Thorough electrical system maintenance One of the major issues with the MV Dali was the failure of its electrical power distribution system, leading to blackouts and system malfunctions. Regular, in-depth inspections of electrical systems, such as high-voltage buses and generators, are critical to prevent loss of propulsion and control. Preventive maintenance can identify and resolve potential failures before they escalate into major issues at sea. ✅ Redundancy in critical systems The MV Dali’s loss of propulsion and steering highlighted the risks of inadequate system redundancy. Ships must be equipped with functional backup systems, such as fully operational emergency generators, to ensure they can maintain control during power failures. ✅ Liability for owners and charterers Both shipowners and charterers carry significant responsibility when it comes to vessel maintenance and safety. Charter parties must include clear terms about inspection and maintenance obligations to avoid operational failures that could lead to severe legal and financial consequences. So, what are the main risks associated with inadequate ship inspections? 1️⃣ Damage to the vessel 2️⃣ Third-party claims 3️⃣ Pollution and environmental damage 4️⃣ Cargo damage 5️⃣ Deviation or delay 6️⃣ Unawareness of demurrage and detention charges 7️⃣ Failure to insure adequately 8️⃣ Breach of contract How can these risks be mitigated? The MV Dali serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough, regular, and independent ship inspections. Third-party inspections, combined with maintenance protocols, can drastically reduce the risks of failure. 🤝 Need a hand with these points? Our risk management team helps you tackle your vessel's risks, ensuring you are protected from unexpected operational failures. #Claimar #ShipInspections #MaritimeSafety #MVdali #RiskManagement #ContractualObligations

At the recent IUMI 2024 conference in Berlin, crucial topics that are redefining the landscape of marine insurance were discussed. One of the most significant issues highlighted was the impact of geopolitical tensions on global shipping. 🌍⚠️ Conflicts like the Houthis' attacks in the Red Sea and the detentions of vessels by Iranian proxies are creating an atmosphere of uncertainty. More than 110 vessels have been recorded as experiencing an incident in the Red Sea since late 2023, with a reported impact of over 5.5 million GT affected by these disruptions. According to the IUMI President, Frederic DENEFLE, these tensions are reshaping the landscape of marine insurance, causing a surge in complex claims and redefining risk management strategies. Wondering how? 🤔 W𝗮𝗿 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝘀⁣ ⁣The increase in attacks and detentions is causing a sharp rise in claims related to war risks, including: ⛴️ Vessels caught in conflict zones suffer significant damage, leading to costly claims for repairs. ⛴️ Disruptions in high-risk areas result in the loss or damage of cargo,  impacting shippers and charterers. ⛴️ Ships detained or rerouted experience delays, affecting delivery schedules and leading to financial penalties. Rerouting to avoid high-risk areas, such as bypassing the Suez Canal for longer routes around Africa, is driving up operational costs. This increased mileage not only means higher fuel consumption but also additional wear and tear on vessels, leading to a rise in claims for operational expenses. These incidents have reduced vessel arrivals in the Gulf of Aden by 75%, significantly impacting the market. This rerouting has caused an increase in tonne miles, with the greatest impact seen in the containership and product tanker sectors, and the duration of this disruption remains uncertain. 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗼𝗲𝘀⁣ ⁣Navigating regions affected by sanctions is becoming increasingly challenging, especially with the growing "parallel" fleet that includes over 700 vessels involved in trades with sanctioned countries such as Russia, Belarus, Iran, and Syria. The uncertainty surrounding these regions is adding complexity to legal liabilities and increasing the likelihood of contractual breaches. At Claimar, we guide you through the complexities of war risk claims. Our experts provide tailored solutions for managing legal and contractual claims, conducting thorough inspections, and drafting transport contracts to safeguard your interests and minimize risks. #Claimar #WarRisk #MarineInsurance #MaritimeIndustry #InsuranceIndustry #ShippingIndustry #MaritimeSafety 📸 In pictures: Recent tanker and cargo ship attacks that took place in 2023 and 2024 across various conflict zones around the world include the MV Sounion, MV Galaxy Leader, Chios Lion, Bentley I, and MV True Confidence.

#RemotelyControlledVessels represent one of the most significant technological advancements in maritime transport. These vessels operate without a crew on board, using advanced communication, navigation, and control systems to move through the seas. 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝘀𝗲?  Yes, companies like SEAFAR, Rolls-Royce, and Kongsberg are leading the way in designing and building these revolutionary ships. From semi-autonomous to fully unmanned vessels, these industry giants are shaping the future of maritime operations. Testing and early deployments are already happening in regions like Scandinavia and Asia. As technological developments continue, wider adoption of autonomous vessels is expected by the late 2020s. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀⁣ ⁣✅ One major advantage of remotely controlled vessels is the reduction of crew-related incidents and operational costs. With everything connected and automated, there is greater control over cargo operations, enhancing efficiency and reducing the likelihood of human error during transit. ❌ However, these innovations bring new risks, such as cyberattacks, software malfunctions, or system failures that could disrupt operations and potentially cause collisions with ports, vessels, or bridges. Additionally, many seafarers may face job losses as crewless ships reduce the need for onboard personnel. While new roles such as remote operators and technicians will emerge, the transition could significantly impact traditional maritime jobs. Have questions about remotely controlled vessels? At Claimar, we specialize in managing claims related to this new era of maritime innovation. Whether it’s cargo or hull claims, we ensure your claims are expertly handled, mitigating the risks associated with this technological shift. #Claimar #MarineInsurance #ClaimsManagement #TPA #MaritimeTransport #ShipManagment

Cargo contamination is a critical concern for the maritime and logistics industries, where the safety and integrity of goods are paramount. As global trade expands, the risks associated with cargo contamination during transit become increasingly significant.👇 Here are 3 notable cases of cargo contamination that have made headlines in recent years: ☠️ A shipment of organic soybeans was rejected by European buyers after traces of pesticides were found, leading to losses exceeding $500,000 and damaging the exporter’s reputation. ☠️ An oil tanker was detained after traces of chemical contaminants were found in the cargo, leading to a two-month delay and millions of dollars in demurrage charges. ☠️ A large batch of pharmaceuticals was destroyed after being exposed to temperature fluctuations during transit, resulting in a $2 million loss and supply chain disruptions. There’s no denying that cargo contamination incidents are on the rise. In fact, 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 $𝟭 𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 annually. Which means you may also be at risk. Most contamination risks stem from improper handling, cross-contamination during transport, or inadequate temperature control. These seemingly “minor” issues 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗱𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. While no contamination incident has yet led to a major environmental disaster (yet), they do pose significant risks, which may ultimately lead to litigation. And let’s not forget that customers affected may seek to recoup losses caused by contaminated goods from you. In view of all this, the question is: 👉 How can you safeguard your cargo against contamination risks? 1️⃣ Ensure thorough cleaning before loading to prevent cross-contamination, and Certify cleanliness according to guidelines. 2️⃣ Focusing on Quality Control, conducting quality tests and sampling at various stages. 3️⃣ Regularly maintain equipment to prevent leaks, and tools to detect contamination during transit. 4⃣ Share Your Experiences by being transparent about incidents, helping to improve industry practices. 5️⃣ Invest in Cargo Insurance by ensuring your policy covers contamination under IBOC. 6️⃣ Stay Informed on Standards by keeping up with industry regulations and compliance requirements. 🤝 Need a hand with points # 1️⃣, 2️⃣ and 3️⃣ ?  Contact us for marine surveyors and legal support. #shippingindustry #riskmanagement #mitigation #marinesurveyor

Yacht inspections peak in the summer when most incidents occur, leading to an increase in insurance-related inspections. However, there are other types of inspections, such as regular maintenance checks, whose importance is evident at any time of the year. Read our latest article to learn more about boat and yacht inspections: https://lnkd.in/dhjrF4_N #MarineInsurance #RiskManagement #YachtSurvey #Claimar

The concept of 'arrest' refers to the legal process of seizing a vessel, cargo, container, or other maritime property as security for a claim or to enforce a maritime lien. This process, known as an "in rem" action, targets the property itself rather than the owner, who may be unknown. ⚓When is this used? According to Article 2 of the International Convention on Arrest of Ships, a ship can be arrested in the following circumstances: 🔴 Unpaid wages to crew members, damages caused by the vessel, or other unresolved financial obligations. 🔴 Disputes over who has the right to possess or control a vessel, often due to conflicting agreements. 🔴 When a vessel is mortgaged and the borrower defaults, the lender can arrest the vessel as collateral. 🔴 Cases where a party has not fulfilled contractual obligations, such as completing a shipping agreement. 🔴 Disagreements over who legally owns a vessel or cargo can also lead to an arrest until ownership is determined. ⚓ How is it executed?  The interested party (creditor or claimant) submits an arrest application to a competent court. This is typically done in the country where the port housing the vessel is located. If the court finds the claim valid, it will issue an arrest warrant. This warrant authorizes the port authorities or maritime police to detain the vessel. The arrest warrant is then served to the vessel's captain and the port authorities. In some cases, the embassy of the vessel's flag state is also notified. Port authorities, along with maritime police, execute the arrest physically, preventing the vessel from leaving the port until the court's conditions are met. During the arrest, the vessel remains under the custody of the court and local authorities. The costs associated with the arrest, including legal fees and any expenses for maintaining the vessel during the arrest, are generally the responsibility of the claimant, unless the court decides otherwise. P.S. Claimar assists in ensuring a smooth arrest process. Whether dealing with maritime liens, disputes over ownership, or compliance with international conventions, our team of experienced professionals is here to guide you through every step. 😉. #Claimar #MarineInsurance #MarineClaims

Claims leakage (CL) is the difference between what you spent on a claim and the amount that should have been paid if there hadn’t been any operational inefficiencies. So, we’re talking about 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀. An issue that remains a major challenge for insurers, as it’s only identified once a claim has been paid, during an audit of closed claim files. In other words, when it’s too late to do anything about it. As a claims manager, you may find yourself walking a fine line between: 🎯 Thoroughly investigating a claim, with the time and cost that entails, and 🎯 Ensuring your customers’ satisfaction, which may suffer from a prolonged claims settlement experience. Relying on an unbiased Third-Party Administrator (TPA) helps you 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲. Wondering how? Let’s analyse the 3 main causes behind claims leakage, according to PwC: 1️⃣ 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 To err is human. And there’s plenty of room for human error when you handle complex claims involving several people. Even more so if you rely on manual data. Also, insufficient training and lack of experience may result in poor decision-making if your team inaccurately understands the loss. 👉 When you hire a TPA, you work with experienced professionals who can walk your customer through the claims journey from day one. You won’t need to invest time and money in training your staff until they are self-sufficient and accountable.    2️⃣ 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 Large caseloads and the pressure to process claims quickly leads to key claims processes being overlooked. For example, performing and documenting investigations, which would allow you to detect faulty payments in real time. 👉 TPAs’ core business is handling claims. As such, they have a process in place that works like clockwork. Inefficient claim processing or errant payments will become a thing of the past. 3️⃣ 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 Many insurance companies still rely on legacy and siloed data systems, which don’t provide flexible and qualitative data. Although you may have access to reports, they are unlikely to help you determine the origins and extent of claims leakage. 👉 TPAs have developed client-oriented claims systems, allowing them to identify problem areas, such as claim turnover ratio, subrogation recovery trend or average time of first contact of claimant. They also use predictive analytics (PA) to anticipate future events.   Ready to grab the bull by the horns and address your claims leakage? 👉 Let us be the natural extension to your claims team 🙋♂️🙋♀️. #insuranceindustry #claimsmanagement #TPA #claimsleakage

#ContainerInspection is the latest topic we discuss in our blog. Read this article here: https://lnkd.in/eiN-W9n9 #Claimar #MarineInsurance #MaritimeSafety #ShippingIndustry #VesselMaintenance

What does #WeatherTight mean? The term Weather Tight refers to the ability of a structure or compartment to resist penetration by adverse weather, particularly water, wind, and other atmospheric elements. In shipbuilding, this principle is essential to ensure that parts of a vessel exposed to extreme weather conditions maintain their integrity and protection against the elements. ❓ Where is this design principle applied? The Weather Tight principle is primarily applied in: ✅ Upper decks and exposed areas of ships. ✅ Hatches and portholes. ✅ Exterior doors and accesses. ✅ Superstructures and exposed structures. ✅ Ventilation and drainage systems. ❓ How is it applied? To ensure that the aforementioned areas are WeatherTight during the design and construction of ships, several measures are implemented: 🌊 Use of water and wind-resistant materials. 🌊 Proper sealing of joints and seams. 🌊 Installation of efficient drainage systems to prevent water accumulation. 🌊 Regular maintenance and inspection of structures to ensure their integrity. 🌊 Testing and certification to verify weather resistance. WeatherTight is regulated by Classification Societies and several international standards. For instance, SOLAS Chapter II-1 addresses ship construction, subdivision, and stability, establishing specific requirements for weather and watertightness, and the International Stability Code (IS Code). ❓ What are the responsibilities of owners and occupants for WeatherTight standards? 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 🔴 Conduct regular inspections and necessary repairs. 🔴 Ensure that all equipment and structures comply with established norms and standards. 🔴 Provide adequate training to the crew on maintaining and operating WeatherTight areas. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗢𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 🔴 Report any damage or issues in WeatherTight structures immediately. 🔴 Follow maintenance and usage protocols and procedures. 🔴 Participate in emergency drills and exercises related to the ship's integrity. ⚠️𝗜𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝘀⚠️ Ignoring these regulations or not maintaining WeatherTight conditions can cause severe damage to the ship, its cargo, and the people on board, and result in expensive lawsuits and denied insurance claims. In case of an incident, assessing compliance with this principle can be crucial in determining liability and the validity of insurance claims. Both owners and occupants must work together to maintain these standards and ensure the proper functioning of the ship, minimizing risks and potential maritime claims. A notable litigation example related to the Weather Tight principle is the case of M/V Altamira. This case involved litigation between the ship's owners and insurers due to failure to maintain weather tight conditions, resulting in significant cargo damage and considerable economic losses. #Claimar #ShipInspections #ShipMaintenance #MarineInsurance #MarineClaims