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
