The most trusted legal costs cover at sea
As an independent Club, focused solely on defence, we have in-depth knowledge of current issues affecting shipowners and operators and the expertise to settle claims effectively and amicably.
As a mutual, we always place our Members’ interests first. This extends to our approach in managing the litigation process and the associated costs.
Our members operate across the trading capitals of the world, so as their interests and activities span all regions of the world and therefore so does our work and cover. We offer the expertise and reach to support our Members in managing defence risks in jurisdictions anywhere in the world.
More than a policy. A partner.
Industry-leading Defence Cover
Our team’s experience and expertise is propelled further as they draw from the club’s 135+ year heritage in maritime insurance. UK Defence Club offers its Members the most comprehensive legal cover for incurred costs in relation to ship operations.
Our cover helps protect against disputes including:
The costs incurred in bringing or defending litigations
The provision of security for costs
Investigative costs – including surveyor, expert, arbitrator and court fees
Going beyond insurance
We offer our Members support and assistance that goes beyond insurance, helping to manage a wide range of issues, and providing clarity and confidence.
UK Defence Club’s team of legally qualified experts can advise and support Members in any time zone and often in their local language. Our Members have the confidence that their interests will always be our priority.
By relying on our expertise and experience, Members can often resolve their issues and disputes without litigation, delivering the optimal outcomes for their needs.
We regularly advise on:
Contracts, including charterparties, newbuilding contracts and MOAs
Dispute resolution
Litigation management in all jurisdictions
Controlling legal costs and the use of AI
Current issues including sanctions and issues relating to geopoltical conflict
Support and assistance in the major times zones
Disputes covered by UK Defence Club
We insure legal and related costs arising in respect of ship operational disputes. The most common types of dispute we cover relate to:
- Time and voyage charterparties
- Counterparty default
- Shipbuilding and ship repair
- Ship sale and purchase
- Bunker quality
- Port or berth safety issues
- Oil major and other ship vetting
- Agents and brokers
- Issues with other underwriters