Friday, 3 May 2013

IGI, UK firm provide $100m cover for ship operators


Chuks Udo Okonta


Industrial And General Insurance Plc (IGI) and United Kingdom-based P&I Association Limited have entered into partnership to underwrite protection and indemnity insurance to safeguard owners and charterers of commercial ships in Nigeria against liabilities.

A statement by IGI's Corporate Affairs Manager, Steve Ilo, said the partnership, which took effect last month, was brokered by Integro Insurance Brokers of United Kingdom, adding that the venture offers an overall limit of liability to the tune of $100,000,000 which is reinsured by first-class securities within the internationally acclaimed Lloyd’s Market.
He noted that under the partnership, players in Nigeria’s maritime industry, especially ship owners and ship operators, have access to protection and indemnity insurance coverage which protects them against liabilities arising from risks such as
collision with other vessels, loss of or damage to fixed and floating objects as well as pollution risks, including those caused by bunkers.

Ilo said the insurance cover also protects the policyholder against liabilities for cargo, stowaways, sue and labour and legal costs, fines, wreck removal as well as illness, injury, loss of life of crew members and passengers.

IGI’s Executive Director, Special Risks, Sina Elusakin, said the deal is part of the company’s effort to offer the requisite backing for the development of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

He "Concerned about the amount of foreign exchange being lost to the P&I Clubs abroad, IGI decided to put the coverage in place to reduce the hardship that ship owners go through in arranging the cover. We also want to help stem premium export and boost the Local Content initiative and the Cabotage regime of the Federal Government."

Elusakin noted that the alliance between IGI and The East of England P&I Association Limited is formidable. He urged brokers, ship owners and ship managers to take advantage of the insurance product and apply for the placement of vessels under the cover.
 

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