'Professional surveyors a key intervention'

From vessel accidents to piracy to issues around the transport of perishable cargo, the maritime industry is beset with challenges. But when it comes to marine insurance, loss prevention should always be the first port of call – and it’s not a one-sizefits all solution. “It’s not possible to provide an overall concept on this subject because it must be relevant to the needs of a particular product or cargo,” says Aon’s Cathy Hyde. “Cargo protective packaging assessments for imports and exports, for example, will help minimise losses on shipments by land, air or sea, while cargo load and stow surveys are also utilised by insurers to minimise losses,” she told FTW. “The value of employing professional surveyors to supervise the loading and discharge of certain types of cargo has been recognised worldwide as it is a means of ensuring that not only is proper care taken during the handling of cargo but also that proper steps are taken to remedy problems that may arise. “Global presence and expertise in managing safe movement of difficult cargoes like abnormal cargo and special projects are also extensively utilised by insurers in supporting clients’ project management and logistics teams to minimise costly overruns and downtime due to damages during shipping and handling.” Hyde believes the air cargo sector also faces significant challenges with increasing fuel prices and security threats. “Inspection of air cargo and containership cargo could place an ‘impossible burden’ on air and sea commerce if this is implemented,” she said. CAPTION Cathy Hyde