Steamship Mutual acquires branch licence in Hong Kong

The club announced that it was the first P&I Club to be formally authorized by the recently formed Hong Kong Insurance Authority to establish a Branch in Hong Kong from August 17, 2018.

Although Steamship Mutual has had a presence in Hong Kong for almost 30 years, formal authorisation now provides a solid platform to deliver the full range of P&I services to members and brokers, especially underwriting and claims services predominantly for owners and charterers based in Hong Kong, mainland China and Taiwan, the club said in a press release.

Rohan Bray, who has been with the club for 24 years on the claims side, the last 20 of those in Hong Kong, assumes the role of ceo of the Branch and Head of the office.

Eric Wu, Head of Underwriting, has worked in P&I for the past 13 years, nine of those with Steamship, following a decade as an average adjuster.

Head of Claims Nina Jermyn has been with the club for 16 years in both the Hong Kong and London offices. Of a staff totalling 11, claims handling service is provided by seven, including three qualified solicitors to enhance the branch’s Freight, Demurrage & Defence (FDD) capability.

Authorisation of the Hong Kong Branch follows the recent establishment of licensed branches in Singapore and Tokyo, boosting Steamship Mutual’s physical presence in the Far East, a region in which the club has been a major player for many years.

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Executive chairman Gary Rynsard commented: “The Club is very pleased to have obtained authorisation from the Hong Kong Insurance Authority, enabling us to provide a complete range of services from the Hong Kong office, especially to members in the Greater China area. Steamship Mutual has always prided itself on providing excellent service and as part of the effort to improve we’ve recently been opening offices around the world. Obtaining this licence in Hong Kong is yet another step in enhancing service to our Members and making the Club a more attractive option for shipowners.”