Independent FD&D insurance

In this section

Over 128 years of history has given us the opportunity to develop the most comprehensive legal costs insurance within the maritime market place. Sometimes referred to as "FD&D" or "Defence" our cover responds to legal and other costs incurred in disputes relating to the operation of ships, providing that the underlying claim is uninsured.

Our unrivalled insurance provides our Members with cover for:

The costs associated with bringing and defending proceedings in any jurisdiction or forum, including cost liabilities
The provision of security for costs in the UK and other jurisdictions
Investigative and other related costs including those of surveyors and experts as well as arbitrators' and court fees

So much more than insurance

As an independent Club, focussed solely on defence, we have an unrivalled experience and expertise in dealing with the issues faced by our Members. Our team of legally qualified claims executives provides wide ranging advice and assistance to Members.

This can include advice on:

Charterparties, newbuilding contracts, MOAs and other contracts
Topical issues - recently these have included international sanctions, the collapse of OW Bunkers and Indian Service Tax.
Forums for dispute resolution
The management of litigation in all jurisdictions
Control of legal costs through the use of Preferred Legal Suppliers, expert cost draftsmen and alternative billing arrangements

The types of dispute most commonly covered include:

Contractual disputes under time and voyage charters, including hire and re-delivery disputes, cancellation/fixture disputes, non-payment of freight and demurrage and laytime disputes
Claims arising out of counterparty defaults
Shipbuilding and ship repair disputes
Sale and purchase disputes
Bunker quality disputes
Disputes over the safety of ports or berths
Oil major and other ship vetting disputes
Disputes with agents and brokers
Disputes which Members may have with other underwriters