The International Group of P&I Clubs has confirmed the structure of its $3.1bn group excess of loss reinsurance contract for the 2025/26 policy year, with the group highlighting a recent uptick in pool claims activity amid a “challenging” year dominated by the Baltimore bridge incident.

The UK government has sanctioned 20 shadow fleet ships involved in the illicit trade and distribution of sanctioned Russian oil.

SiriusPoint has reaffirmed its commitment to the marine hull market after market speculation around its capacity relationships with certain MGAs in the class.

Aventum-owned specialty broker Consilium has appointed Daniel Leveridge as partner and head of technical within its cargo division.

Industrial lines insurer HDI Global SE has named Dr Carsten Schulte as the new global head of marine.

The intensity of grey zone action looks like it will only increase in the near future, with WTW’s Sam Wilkin suggesting that commercial activity will continue to be directly targeted.

HDI Global UK & Ireland has appointed Hannah Brooke as head of marine cargo underwriting.

Marsh has retained its bench strength lead in energy in the 2024 London’s Leading Brokers report, accounting for three of the top five individual shortlisted brokers.

The “Cold War resurgence” across the geopolitical landscape has heightened both the exposure and the necessity of many insurance lines into 2025, law firm DAC Beachcroft has said in its insurance predictions for the year ahead.

Volante Global has confirmed the launch of its casualty/marine and energy treaty-focused platform Volante Re, with Suart Dale and David Martin appointed to lead.

Pen Underwriting’s Vessel Protect has launched into the yacht market with Amphitrite Underwriting’s Paul Wood appointed as product lead.

Canopius underwriter Rod Loten has resigned to take up a marine reinsurance position at Allied World, The Insurer understands.

The UK government has expanded its list of sanctioned entities with 30 new vessels and two Russian insurers targeted in its largest shadow fleet-focused sanctions package to date.

Tokio Marine Kiln (TMK) is leading a new $95mn trade disruption insurance facility, launched in collaboration with Convex and McGill and Partners.

Gallagher UK has bolstered its marine P&I team with a trio of appointments, including James Giles to the role of divisional director.