08.15-08.55

Registration and Coffee in the Pre-Function Area

08.55-09.00

Welcome Address: Daniel Creasey, Managing Director, Cannon Events

09.00-09.30

Fireside Chat: Challenges and Opportunities

In this fireside chat we examine the brokers and clients view of cargo insurance. So many goods are shipped uninsured, why does this happen and what can be done to remedy this? We focus on the amount of cargo premium available globally, is there an opportunity that the insurance market is currently missing? How can the insurance sector make this simple for clients from both a placement and claims perspective? Can everyone win?

Participants: Marcus Baker, Global Head of Marine, Cargo and Logistics, Marsh

Steve Parker, Director General, British International Freight Association

09.30-10.30

Panel Discussion: Ending the Roller Coaster Ride?

The market cycle has been well established for centuries, however, in recent times the cycle has been ever shorter, particularly the period of maximum returns. The soft market has also fallen to punishing and unsustainable levels. So how can the market end the relentless downward spirals? This panel discussion will discuss how best to stop, or at least slow the cycle, instil market discipline and improve pricing adequacy.

Moderator: Jonathan Eaton, Executive Director- Cargo, Marine, Art & Specie, Gallagher

Panellists: Donna Young, Head of Cargo, Canopius

Christopher Hicks, Underwriting Manager Marine Cargo, Hull & War, Liberty Specialty Markets

Matthew Barkhurst, Vice President of Global Risk Management, Cardinal Health

Gordon Longley, Partner – Head of Transportation and Logistics, McGill and Partners

10.30-10.50

Presentation: Managing the Risks – Could More be Done?

Insurers and brokers are the ultimate risk managers, helping insureds take risks off the balance sheets. In this session, we ask whether the dialogue between insurer and insured could increase to improve risk management and reduce the overall cost of claims. We also consider how insurers themselves view their own risk management and again, whether further improvements could be made.

Presenter: Ulrich Kuetter, Head of Global Insurance Solutions, DB Schenker

10.50-11.20

Cofee and Networking Break

11.20-11.40

Presentation: The New Global Pandemic – Theft

Cargo insurers are reporting a noticeable increase in theft and fraud claims impacting insureds’ goods. However, the modus operandi has shifted from the robber with his swag bag to a sophisticated model involving organised crime and the latest technologies. This session analyses the latest trends and asks how insurers can help stem the tide.

Presenter: Juan Carlos Martinez, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, CargoCorp Underwriters

11.40-12.00

Presentation: Counting the Cost of Container Losses

In the aftermath of Covid-19 and the frenzy of the disrupted supply chain, the market had to bear a spate of container losses overboard. In 2024, the issue reared its head once more as vessels headed around the Cape instead of going through the Suez Canal. In this session, we hear of the 2024 loss figures for containers and identify the trends driving the numbers.

Presenter: Simon Burthem, Chief Executive Officer, TMC Marine

12.00-12.30

Case Study: Fanning the Flames – What’s in the Box?

Too often, crews are fighting for their lives as fires break out within containers on board vessels. In this session, we discuss the continued problems of misdeclaration, and the challenges faced by Fire Experts when investigating such fires. A forensic fire investigators perspective.

Participants: Mike Wisekal, Technical Director, Senior Investigator, Jensen Hughes

Mark Ross, Senior Investigator, Jensen Hughes

12.30-13.30

Lunch & Networking

13.30-14.40

Round Table Sessions (x2)

Each roundtable will run for 30 minutes. There will be a 5-minute break to allow delegates to change tables before being repeated in a second 30-minute seating.

14.40-15.00

Case Study: Cargo Losses in Practice

Cargo losses continue to escalate, both in terms of volume and severity. In this session, we hear from a leading surveyor providing an in-depth case study into a recent casualty, explaining the process of the claim and identifying the lessons to be learned for the wider market.

Presenter: Iryna Petrenko, Manager of Claims and P&I Department, Nordic Marine Solutions

15.00-15.30

Coffee and Networking Break

15.30-15.50

Fireside Chat: When Should Detained Cargo be Declared a Physical Loss?

In cargo insurance, unlike hull insurance the time frame for declaring a physical loss isn’t rigidly defined. The main consideration should be whether the loss is still viable for recovery or if the cargo is completely unrecoverable. Insurers typically look at whether the cargo can still be delivered or if its value has been permanently diminished. This session explores some scenarios where these situations are anything but cut and dry.

Participants: Andy Green, Global Leader Transportation & Logistics Claims, Head of Claims Advocacy Marine Cargo London, Commercial Risk Solutions, Global Broking Centre, Claims Advocacy, AON

Chris Chatfield, Partner, Kennedys

15.50-16.30

Panel Discussion: The Cost of the Red Sea Conflict

For the past year, the Houthi rebels have been attacking vessels crossing the Red Sea, resulting in some major claims for the cargo market. The Sounion alone is said to have had cargo worth almost $70mn, all of which is leading to increased cargo rates for anyone still using the route. This panel discussion will look at the latest state of play, but also at the impact on war clauses and rates for cargo interests, as well as the impact on the alternative route around the Cape.

Moderator: Alex Kemp, Partner, HFW

Panellists: David Pressman, Senior Cargo Underwriter, Markel International

Alex Smith, Underwriter, Cargo, Ascot

Ellis Morley, Associate Director, Cargo and Commodities, Howden

16.30-17.00

Fireside Chat: Sanctions – Not a Level Playing Field

Like it or not, insurers are increasingly being dragged into global politics. Sanctions have been adopted in recent years to bring rogue states to heel through financial penalties, usually including a restriction on insurance. In the past year the Middle East conflict, as well as the continuing war between Ukraine and Russia, have impacted cargo routes and costs, as well as insurance programmes. In this fireside chat, we discuss what this global uncertainty has meant for cargo rates, as well as taking a look at how sanctions impact some insurance markets, but not others.

Participants: David Savage, Partner, HFW

James Neale, Senior Associate, HFW

17.00-18.00

Closing Remarks followed by Drinks Reception