Marine insurance

Marine hull claims often turn on technical evidence, disputed causation and precise policy wording. We help insurers and reinsurers identify the key coverage issues, preserve evidence and appoint suitable marine surveyors, engineers and other experts. Where a loss spans several jurisdictions, we coordinate overseas lawyers and claims professionals under one strategy. We also advise on exclusions, aggregation, recoveries and reinsurance, and handle litigation or arbitration where commercial resolution is not possible.

Cross-border marine claims can raise difficult questions of governing law, jurisdiction, limitation, evidence, security and enforcement. We identify those issues early and develop a coordinated claims strategy. Through M&R Global, we work with trusted overseas lawyers, surveyors and technical experts while remaining the central point of contact. This joined-up approach protects coverage and recovery rights, reduces duplication and helps avoid inconsistent positions across jurisdictions.

Cargo claims may involve several causes, contracts and parties, including carriers, freight forwarders and warehouse operators. We help clients establish what happened, secure evidence and identify the relevant policy and contractual terms. We advise on insured interest, causation, exclusions, aggregation, quantum and reinsurance. At the same time, we assess third-party recovery routes, protect limitation periods and coordinate surveyors, forensic specialists and overseas lawyers.

Marine losses linked to conflict or state action may engage war, terrorism, political violence, confiscation, seizure, detention and sanctions provisions. Small differences in wording and evidence can materially affect the outcome. We analyse the cause of loss and the interaction between exclusions, write-backs and specialist war cover, including aggregation and concurrent causes. We also coordinate technical, geopolitical and local-law evidence and align the coverage position with any related proceedings or recoveries.

The early stages of a major marine claim can determine its outcome. We help preserve documents and physical evidence, appoint suitable experts and check notification, information and limitation requirements. We also coordinate the roles of brokers, adjusters, insurers and advisers, particularly where several policies or jurisdictions are involved. Clear workstreams protect coverage and recovery rights, avoid duplicated expert work and support an early, realistic assessment of exposure and resolution options.

Effective marine recovery requires early investigation, a clear understanding of the contractual chain and a realistic view of enforcement prospects. We identify potential defendants and assets, preserve evidence and protect limitation periods. We also assess governing law, jurisdiction, arbitration clauses, liability limits and available security. Where several countries are involved, we coordinate local advice and proceedings under one strategy, focusing resources on the strongest and most proportionate recovery routes.

A serious marine casualty may lead to personal injury or fatal accident claims alongside regulatory or criminal investigations. We help preserve evidence, appoint appropriate experts and coordinate communications with insurers, brokers, regulators and other parties. Our team addresses liability, coverage, indemnity, limitation and jurisdiction within one strategy. We also support businesses and senior managers responding to police, Health and Safety Executive, Maritime and Coastguard Agency or other investigations, protecting their legal, commercial and reputational position.

Port and terminal incidents may involve several parties, contracts, policies and regulators. We preserve evidence, appoint marine surveyors and other experts, investigate causation and identify how risk is allocated among operators, vessel interests, cargo owners and contractors. Our team coordinates property damage, cargo loss, personal injury, coverage, liability and recovery issues. We also help businesses and senior managers respond to regulatory investigations while protecting their position in related civil or criminal proceedings.