Hosted by General Insurance Council, International Union of Marine Insurance(IUMI) to hold its Asia Forum 2022 in Mumbai during June 1-2, indeed a proud moment for the Indian insurance industry
R Balasundaram
As we take off our masks and say ‘Good riddance’ to the Covid-19 virus, it’s time to pick up the thread and start our normal lives again.
The world economy which was hit by the Covid-19 induced lockdowns is slowly getting back on its feet — Factories are buzzing again, offices are getting filled up and most important of all, face-to-face meetings have started.
A whiff of fresh air, a welcome break from the monotony of Teams & Zoom webinars and meetings.
One of the first in India to get off the blocks, is the General Insurance Council((https://www.gicouncil.in/) which has prevailed upon the International Union of Marine Insurance(IUMI) to hold its Asia Forum 2022, (IUMI ASIA FORUM 2022 (iumi-asia-forum-2022.com )at the Trident Hotel in Mumbai, overlooking the Arabian Sea.
Can there be a better backdrop for serious deliberations on marine insurance than the sea?
The IUMI acceding to the General Insurance Council request and choosing Mumbai as the venue for its Asia Forum 2022, is indeed a proud moment for the Indian insurance industry.
The 1 ½ days sessions will see the best of marine insurance brains from across the world converging on Mumbai between the 1st & 2nd of June 2022.
Eminent speakers who will be setting the tone for the deliberations include Dr. Iqbal Singh Chahal, the Administrator & Commissioner of Mumbai, Mr Debashish Panda, Chairman, IRDAI, Mr. MN Sarma, Secretary General, GI Council & Mr. Amitabh Kumar, DG Shipping.
Mr. Richard Turner, IUMI President will introduce the common theme.
Even as the global economy limps back to normalcy, there is tremendous pressure on supply chains.
The marine insurance and shipping industry has been facing turbulent times even earlier and the pandemic followed by the Russia-Ukraine war has only added to the problems.
So, what are the major issues faced by the shipping & marine insurance industry?
• The impact & losses due to the Russia-Ukraine war & the effect of sanctions
• Climate change & energy transition
• Use of new fuels in shipping
• Sustainability & ESG in marine insurance
• Cyber risks staring at the shipping industry
• Vulnerability of supply chains
All the above issues will be addressed by eminent speakers and panellists which include Frederic Denefle, Managing Director, GAREX, Mike Roderick, Partner, Clyde & Co, Jan-Hugo Marthinsen, VP Claims, Gard, Praveen Gupta, Climate Action warrior & Howard Potter, Astaara.’
That’s not all, there will be technical sessions on General Average, project cargo and Hull & Machinery claims.
Anil Devli, CEO, Indian National Shipowners Association will unveil the Indian Maritime Vision 2030 while Lars Lange, Secretary General, IUMI will highlight the role of IUMI in IMO.
There will be a panel including Mr. G Srinivasan, Director National Insurance Academy, which will deliberate on why marine insurance can be an attractive career option.
I am sure, it will be 1 1/2 days of brain-storming and networking. A ‘must attend’ event for marine practitioners, brokers, shipping executives, insurance buyers and insurance academicians.
For programme details and registration, please visit the event website IUMI ASIA FORUM 2022 (iumi-asia-forum-2022.com)
The author is Secretary General of, Indian Brokers Association