North P&I Club opts for 7.5 percent general increase at February 2020 renewal

Directors of North P&I Club, a global marine insurer, have decided to set a general increase of 7.5 percent on protection and indemnity (P&I) and freight, demurrage and defence (FD&D) premiums for the 2020/21 policy year. They said the increase is considered necessary to maintain the North P&I Club’s financial strength and stability in a climate of rising International Group Pool claims and premium erosion.

North’s chairman, Pratap Shirke, said: “The marine insurance landscape has been challenging, and during this time we have persisted with our strategy of preserving a balance between reliable financial management and our desire for controlled growth. However, the Club has not been immune to the impact of the number and value of claims reported to the International Group Pool in the first six months of the year, which has ultimately had an adverse effect on our technical underwriting results.”

To offset the suppression of rates and premium income, North has taken corrective action to maintain the financial equilibrium of the Club.

“North is financially secure and has a strong capital position evidenced by its ‘A’ stable rating from S&P Global Ratings,” said Shirke. “The directors remain focused on the need to support our membership and have decided on a renewal strategy that, in line with sound corporate governance principles, provides a transparent general rating increase. This is the most appropriate and equitable mechanism to notify members of the Club’s overall budgetary requirements for the next policy year.”

For the P&I class, a general increase of 7.5 percent will be applied to all members’ premiums at the February 2020 renewal. Rates will also be adjusted further for members with adverse loss records or enhanced exposures. All members’ rates will be adjusted to incorporate any changes in the costing and structure of the International Group excess loss reinsurance programme. Premiums for North’s FD&D class will also increase by 7.5 percent.

North’s Chief Executive, Paul Jennings, said: “The directors are satisfied that the Club remains in strong financial health and are confident that our 2020 renewal strategy allied with our disciplined financial approach and prudent underwriting philosophy, will position the Club appropriately to meet the oncoming challenges.”