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Skul

Viewpoint
Douglas Jacobsohn
President & CEO

Skuld builds on
strong results
The past few months has seen another exciting journey for Skuld with
our joint purchase of the European operations of the Whittington
Group, the leading managing agency in the Lloyds market. The deal
follows the launch of our Lloyds syndicate, Skuld 1897, this time last
year. This further establishes our commitment to expansion in the
London market and beyond, without compromising our heritage as a
world-leading P&I mutual club, headquartered in Oslo.

200
ssue
i
/
1
1
20
on NOVEMBER
beac

Expansion

The strategy behind this expansion is that Skuld is financially strong

and, as such, we are continually looking for opportunities to add
sound, profitable insurance-related services to our portfolio. Skuld has
always had an ambition to set up its own managing agency to service
Syndicate 1897 and to build foundations for the future.
Service

As I hope you know, Skuld has always been and will always be about
service, and the addition of Whittington enforces that. While were
profitable, dynamic and experts at what we do, were totally committed
to service, and this step in our diversification journey will only enhance
that service.
Finances

As we near the end of the year, I hope you enjoy this 200th anniversary
edition of Beacon. We have given you our thoughts on charterers
liability and reported on other news, including the new Skuld app and
the launch of our latest publication Lifeboat Release Hooks.
Enjoy your reading!

Douglas Jacobsohn

Skuld
magazine

beacon

14

ix
anp
to: Sc
Pho

We have also announced strong half-year results. Despite an increase

in the number of large claims reported in the second quarter and
volatile financial markets, the club has maintained its unbeaten nineyear track record of underwriting surpluses and has delivered a robust
half-year result of USD 15 million. This lifts our contingency reserves
above USD 280 million.

PATCHES
MAKE PERFECT

November 2011 / Issue 200

Beacon (Skuld Magazine) is the official publication of Assuranceforeningen Skuld (Gjensidig)

Address P.O. Box 1376 Vika, NO-0114 Oslo, Norway, Tel +47 22 00 22 00, Fax +47 22 42 42 22
E-mail ingeborg.berge@skuld.com editor in chief Ingeborg Berge Editorial staff Lise
Larson, Marte Nordli Andersen Layout Transmission AS Repro and printing 07 Group
Front page Photo: 1-images.no. Entire contents 2011, all rights reserved. Reproduction in

whole or in part, without written permission from Skuld, is prohibited. Opinions expressed by
writers in Beacon are not necessarily those held by Skuld. Skuld assumes no responsibility for
unsolicited material. WWW.SKULD.COM

Oil may be expensive when used for filling cars, but its
price is nothing compared with the costs that materialise
when it washes up on a beach. When this happens, it is
usually underwriters who must pay the price.

/ contents
NEWS feature: Charterers liability
6 2011 the charterers year
9 Grounding in the Orinoco River
12 Extra bunker-handling costs now covered

Loss prevention
14 Patches make perfect
16 Passing inspection

CURRENT
17 Going offshore in Aberdeen
18 200 issues young
20 Download the new Skuld app

news
21 Personnel news
23 News

Grounding
in the
Orinoco
River
A charterer member may ask what does
Charterers Liability to Hull (CLH) cover
include and what is the benefit of having
it? As the article shows, charterers are at
significant risk of substantial liabilities
arising from relatively simple situations.

20

Download
the new
Skuld app
Correspondent and vessel searches
worldwide have become quicker
with a brand new app. The app, together
with Skulds website and pdf access,
are about to make the previously printed
List of Correspondents redundant.

NEwS feature

Charterers liability

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NEWS feature
LEGAL

ISSUES
Charterers liability

Written by

Name Surname
Job title, Skuld

name.surname@skuld.com

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beacon / NOVEMBER 2011

NEWS feature

Charterers liability

Shining the spotlight on charterers liability

2011 the char

In 2011, Skuld has taken a strategic decision to increase focus on charterers liability. Egil Gulbrandsen
Mandt, SVP Underwriting & Marketing, talks more about charterers cover with Skuld.
Skuld was established in Oslo in 1897 and was the first P&I club outside
the United Kingdom. In the very early days, only shipowners could buy
charterers cover. This quickly changed and Skuld was probably the
first club to accept time and voyage charterers entries. We now offer
P&I insurance to both time and voyage charterers and, from 2011,
have opened up for one-year cover written anytime during the year,
says Skulds SVP in Underwriting & Marketing.
Why charterers cover?

A charterer is exposed to many of the same risks as a shipowner and,

if transporting their own cargo, additional trading liabilities. As
charterers appear in bills of lading, charterparties and/or other
contracts relating to the ship and voyage, they may enter into disputes
and become legally liable. A charterer may be liable to the shipowner
for damage to or loss of the vessel, equipment and fittings, demurrage,
loss of use or hire, including costs reasonably incurred. A charterer is
always part of the General Average. The total bill is divided between
the shipowner, cargo owner and charterer, says Egil.

We have
opened up
for one-year
cover written
anytime
during the
year

access to individual accounts

and enables charterers or their
brokers to report new entries for
charterers liability cover directly
from their desks.
Online charterers declarations
are well received by current users.
We are told that the system is
user-friendly and provides a good
overview with constantly updated
lists and reports. Skulds online
charterers declaration system
saves charterers and brokers
time and provides an easily
accessible overview of a fleets
coverage, says Egil.

Charter market

Historically, the shipping industry is cyclical and subject to economic

fluctuations. So far, its been a challenging year for global shipping
and, correspondingly, Skuld has seen some reduction in charterer
activity. The largest markets for charter cover are Europe and Asia,
specifically in China, Singapore, Thailand and India. There are over
50,000 merchant ships trading internationally. Many charterers are
still without P&I insurance and choose to take the risk themselves.
Brokers

The majority of Skulds charter business is transacted through brokers,

some of whom specialise in selling charter insurance. This year, we
have developed various marketing material and arranged several
events to promote our charter cover. Brokers are important partners
for Skuld and it is vital to maintain good relations with them, says Egil.
Online charterers declaration

Traditionally, charterer declarations have been handled manually

through fax and email, often listing more details than needed or
excluding vital information. Skuld first introduced online charterer
declarations in 2007 and is probably still the only P&I club offering the
tool to brokers and charterers. This web-based facility provides direct

beacon / NOVEMBER 2011

Skulds online charterers declaration saves charterers and brokers time and provides
an easily accessible overview of a fleets coverage, says Egil Gulbrandsen Mandt,
Skulds SVP in Underwriting & Marketing.

NEWS feature

Charterers liability

By Marte Nordli Andersen

Executive, Marketing & Communication, Skuld
marte.andersen@skuld.com

rterers year

Over 50,000 merchant ships trade internationally. Many are still uninsured.

Skuld is currently working on improving its online declaration tool,

linking it directly with the clubs business systems and making it even
easier to use.

The charterer market

/ More than 50,000 merchant ships trade internationally

/ Every ship has a charterer, some more than one

Simplified terms and extended cover

/ Many charterers are still uninsured

Previously, shipowners and charterers were covered by the same

statutes and rules. This year, Skuld has developed a bespoke set of
charterers terms and conditions. This simplified framework facilitates
the creation of extended and tailored cover for all chartering activities.
We have removed everything irrelevant for charterers. Feedback is
positive, simply because the terms are so easy to understand. In addition,
charterers liability to hull (CLH) and extra bunker-handling costs are
now part of standard P&I cover under Skulds Charterer Terms &
Conditions, says Egil.

/ Some brokers specialise in charterers business

Skuld entries
/ All Skuld charterer entries are commercial business

/ Owners business has never subsidised charterers

business

/ Skuld offers a flexible and modern approach

to charterers liability

/ Skuld is the only P&I club offering online charterers

declarations

beacon / NOVEMBER 2011

NEWS feature

Charterers liability

Main differences in Skuld cover

Charterers Owners

/ Commercial business Mutual business

/ Limited cover

Unlimited cover

/ Fixed price Additional calls may occur

/ Charterers liability No hull liability
to hull included

included

/ Renew whenever Renew 20 February

/
Skulds Charterer Terms & Conditions means insurance is much easier to understand
and adapt to individual needs.

Charterers entries may be adapted through a vast variety of adjustable

additional covers that are tailored to meet the individual needs of each
member. Examples are specific cover for cargo, property or extended
contractual liability. In addition, Skuld also offers charterers defence
insurance that provides valuable legal services by Skulds defence
team. Our defence team consists of professional lawyers representing
16 jurisdictions. Our lawyers have extensive experience in handling
disputes worldwide and operate in all time zones, adds Egil.
Charterers cover with Skuld

Skuld is one of the largest providers of liability covers for time and
voyage charterers. Traditionally, charterer and owner tonnage has
roughly been at the same level. Over the years, we have developed
comprehensive products for charterers, in terms of scope, depth of
support and specialist advice, says Egil.
Today, Skulds financial performance is strong. As of August 2011, the
outlook for Skulds A- rating was moved from stable to positive, reflecting
Skulds strong underwriting track record. This position enables the
club to meet clients specific insurance and security demands.
Renowned service

Despite challenging global markets and several new parties entering

the industry, Skuld is still a preferred provider of charterers cover.
Charterer members should be aware that Skuld has a philosophy of
being close to members. We provide long experience and extensive
knowledge of the charterer trade. On the claims side, we offer proactive
assistance through experienced P&I claims handlers, legal expertise
and an extensive network of carefully selected correspondents,
concludes Skulds SVP in Underwriting & Marketing.
For further information, please contact your Skuld syndicate
representative, email egil.mandt@skuld.com or call 22 00 22 72.
read more

www.skuld.com/charterers

beacon / NOVEMBER 2011

Online charterers declaration

GET STARTED

/ Identify yourself through the Skuld Extranet login with

the same password that you already use for claims
statistics and reports, and start working. Your Skuld
representative will gladly activate your account and
assist if necessary.

ITS EASY!
1. Search by IMO number or vessel name
2. Select relevant cover
3. Enter expected duration
4. Press send
This gives Skuld sufficient information to hold the vessel
on cover and calculate the correct premium, which then
appears in the declaration overview.

Go to Skuld.com, log on to Extranet and fill out

simplified charterers declarations online.

NEWS feature

Charterers liability

By Christian Ott
Assistant Vice President, Skuld Far East Ltd.

christian.ott@skuld.com

Skulds Charterers Liability to Hull cover

Grounding in the
Orinoco River
A charterer member may ask what does Charterers Liability to Hull (CLH) cover include and
what is the benefit of having it? As the following true story demonstrates, charterers are at
significant risk of substantial liabilities arising from relatively simple situations. Skulds cover
protects members against such liabilities and provides them with the benefit of the clubs pro-active
claims-handling services.
Case background

The case arises from the grounding of a members chartered vessel in

the Orinoco River, Venezuela. The member time chartered the vessel
from the disponent owner and then sub-voyage chartered her under a
contract of affreightment with a BVI company. The sub-charterparty
had been ostensibly guaranteed by a more substantial entity, although
no effort was made to expressly confirm the guarantee in writing with
the guarantor. Both the head and sub-contract were on the basis of
express safe-berth and safe-port warranties.
The vessel, a medium-sized Panamax bulk carrier, had part-loaded a
cargo of iron ore at Puerto Ordaz. She was traversing the Orinoco River
to reach its mouth and load the balance of cargo. At this time she had
just under 44,000 mt of iron ore on board, consigned to China.
The Orinoco River, one of Venezuelas main trade arteries, requires
regular dredging to keep it clear for commercial vessels. Shortly
before the incident, the river was dredged, but marker buoys which
delineated the safe navigable channel had not been returned to their
normal positions. This made the channel appear visually wider than it
really was. The local harbour office posted warnings to this effect,
which were given to the vessel and the pilot. However, the warnings
were in Spanish and the master neither understood them or asked
for an explanation.
The vessel navigated too close to the undredged part of the channel,
possibly at too high a speed and ran aground. Fortunately, the crew,
vessel and cargo were unharmed, although the vessel lay at right angles
to the channel blocking it completely. The result was a week-long operation
to dig the vessel out of the mud. Owners subsequently claimed for
unsafe port and demanded over USD 2.5 million from the charterers.

The Orinoco River, one of Venezuelas main trade arteries, requires regular dredging to
keep it clear for commercial vessels.

Owners
claimed for
unsafe port
and demanded
over USD 2.5
million

Skulds response

Unlike the disponent owners and

sub-charterers, Skuld initiated a
casualty response to the incident
and mobilised the local corres
pondent and surveyor, as well as
dispatching expert assistance to
the site. As a result of this
early approach, Skuld secured
crucial evidence that significantly
impacted the case in favour of the
clubs members.

beacon / NOVEMBER 2011

NEWS feature

Charterers liability

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trade

10

beacon / NOVEMBER 2011

NEWS feature

Charterers liability

The Orinoco River

/ One of the longest in South

America at 2,140 km (1,330 mi)

/ Flows through Venezuela

and Colombia

/ Together with its tributaries, it

is the major transport system
for Venezuelas eastern
region and interior

/ In the rainy season, the

Orinoco can swell to a

breadth of 22 km (14 mi)
and a depth of 100 m (330 ft)

/ At its mouth, the river forms

a wide delta of hundreds of
rivers and waterways that
flow through 41,000 km2
(16,000 sq. miles) of
swampy forests

Photo: Kevin Schafer/Corbis

/ Navigable for most of its

length, dredging enables

ocean-going ships to sail
435 km (270 miles) upstream

Source: Wikipedia

Ocean-going ships can sail 435 km up the Orinoco. Beyond that you may need a canoe.

Legal proceedings were pursued in chain arbitration, with rigorous

pursuit of the sub-charterers despite their credit risk and doubts over
the guarantees enforceability. Litigation focused on getting the matter
resolved before final adjudication as every party concerned faced a
significant litigation risk and subsequent costs.
In particular, securing of witness statements and safe keeping of key
documents, such as the harbour office notices and ships voyage data,
were critical to the cases success. With this information, Skulds
expert produced a computer-generated re-creation of the incident
something no other party had done which gave a significant tactical
benefit to Skulds members during negotiations with the owners.

Important additional lesson

Members relied on being back to back because of the charter

position and the belief that a substantial company had guaranteed it.
On closer examination, it was revealed that the guarantee was no
more than an uncorroborated one line sentence in the fixture recap
and probably not legally enforceable.
The important lesson is that a bare-faced assertion of a guarantee in a
fixture recap should never be considered safe. At the very least, the
guarantor must confirm expressly in writing that they commit to the
purported guarantee. Often it is necessary to ensure that the guarantee
conforms with the law of the charterparty, as well as with the law of
the guarantors home jurisdiction.

Outcome

All sides, eventually, agreed to mediation. The process itself was

very positive as three out of the four parties came to the table with a
clear intention to settle. Unfortunately, one party held out and no
agreement was reached at the mediation. Negotiations followed, however,
and six months later before any hearing had taken place the matter
was resolved through a settlement between all four parties.
Compared to the initial claim, Skulds members successfully reduced
their exposure significantly.

Finally, a guarantee is no stronger than the financial backbone of the

person or company giving it.

Skulds expert produced

a computer-generated
re-creation ... something
no other party had done
beacon / NOVEMBER 2011

11

NEWS feature

Charterers liability

Improved charterers liability insurance

Photo: 1-images.no

Charterers no longer need CLH or FD&D cover when off-specification bunkers are supplied to the vessel. Its now covered by Skulds charterers liability insurance.

Extra bunker-handling
costs now covered
As of 20 February 2011, Skulds standard charterers cover includes extra costs and liability for extra
costs incurred with the removal, storage, processing and disposal of bunkers supplied by the
charterers. The new rules represent a very significant improvement for charterers who no longer
have to rely on their CLH or FD&D covers where off-specification bunkers are stemmed to the
chartered vessel.
The charterers vessel, Calisto, was close to Cigading, Indonesia when
the problems started. A fresh DNV report read like a horror story and
stated that bunkers were contaminated. The master and crew rounded
on the charterer, laying the blame squarely on their doorstep. Relations
were at an all-time low.
The charterers operations manager called me. I feel like Ive just rolled
out of bed and stepped into a pile of steaming hot dung! he said.
He demanded we appoint lawyers and start arbitration. You will be far

12

beacon / NOVEMBER 2011

better off if you let the owners

and bunker suppliers handle
things between themselves. At
least the suppliers have a real
interest in mitigating the loss and
keeping costs low, I suggested.
Fortunately, charterers had been
sensible enough to obtain a clear

NEWS feature

Charterers liability

By Kim Steffensen
Claims Executive Lawyer, Skuld Copenhagen
kim.steffensen@skuld.com

right of recourse against the bunker suppliers. Calls were made, the
suppliers became involved and the dispute was handled back-to-back
from there. Furthermore, the charterers were able to benefit from the
suppliers extensive knowledge.
The operations manager called me again the next day: We are going
belly up! he yelled. The owners are deviating to Gladstone, Australia
to take on board new bunkers. It will take an additional three days and
the time loss will cost us more than Liberias deficit. Get a grip of
yourself, I replied. You are fully covered under Skulds standard
charterers liability insurance for the loss of time and additional
costs incurred.

The Owners
are behaving
like sharks
in a savage
feeding
frenzy!

Additional bunkers were stemmed at Gladstone and cargo loaded in

Townsville and Darwin. The vessel then sailed for Fangcheng and
Qingdao. During the voyage to China, the phone rang constantly. My
mood is foul tonight, so I will try to keep this short, the operations
manager said. The owners are behaving like sharks in a savage
feeding frenzy!
Apparently, the owners had taken a unilateral decision to de-bunker
the contaminated bunkers at Singapore and said that the loss of time
caused by the deviation and the de-bunkering costs should be paid by
the charterers. According to the owners, charterers were responsible
under the charterparty for loading the contaminated bunkers on board.

Relax, I said. You are covered

for that too under our charterers
cover. The new rule eight covers
extra costs and liability for extra
costs in connection with the
removal, storage, processing and
disposal of bunkers supplied for
charterers account. Naturally,
this does not include the price of
the substitution bunkers.
The operations manager called
very early the following morning:
The owners are beating us like a
gong! he said. If I had the
imagination I would have called in
sick today. Raving and cursing,
the owners had demanded that
the tanks be cleaned after
de-bunkering. The cleaning
operation would delay the vessel
another day and cost SGD 20,000,
let alone the cost of additional
bunker consumption while the
vessel was in port.
The horrible reality of being
suddenly stone broke and homeless is more than I can handle!
the operations manager said.
Calm down, I replied. We will
cover you for that too under Skulds
standard charterers cover.
In short, the new rules improve
the charterers position in a
number of important ways. If this
incident had occurred before
20 February 2011, charterers
would only have been covered for
legal costs under their FD&D
insurance as there was no
damage to the vessel. The events
above took place at the end of
March 2011. Consequently,
de-bunkering costs and deviation
costs are also covered.

read more

The owners claimed that charterers were responsible for loading the contaminated bunkers on board.

www.skuld.com/charterers

beacon / NOVEMBER 2011

13

/ Loss

prevention
Sealing in your costs

PATCHES
MAKE PERFECT

Oil may be expensive when used for filling cars, but its price is nothing compared
with the costs that materialise when it washes up on a beach. When this happens,
it is usually underwriters who must pay the price.
The most likely cause of oil pollution at sea is from vessels damaged by
grounding or collision. The sight of oil pouring from a torn bunker or
storage tank is something the world has witnessed too often and the
insurance industry is well aware of the massive price it carries.
A very real cost that is rarely considered can arise after the incident
when the pressure inside the damaged bunker or cargo tanks is equalised.
Although the initial outpouring has stopped, large volumes of hydro
carbons can remain trapped within the vessel and become discharged
intermittently by wave action or through wreck movement. Whenever
this happens, often years after, it can result in a new wave of claims
against the insurer.
Although no two casualties are the same, the use of magnetic or flexible
patches can often prevent more leakage and protect the insurer against
the risk of further costs. Miko Marine AS of Oslo has seen its patches
deployed with considerable effect on numerous occasions to minimise
pollution and prevent total loss of the vessel.
Miko is now well known for its range of flexible magnetic patches that
have saved the coasts of Scandinavia from pollution on several occasions.
The most extreme example occurred late last year when the Danishflagged nuclear fuel carrier Puma began taking in water as it sailed
south from Murmansk. It was a small leak caused by a defective valve,
but the crew was unable to stop the inexorable flooding of its engine
room. Fortunately, as all Norwegian Coast Guard vessels are equipped
with Miko magnetic patches, it was a simple task to seal the leak and
escort the Puma to Hammerfest for permanent repair. Had the patch
not been available, the ship might have been lost with frightening
consequences for its underwriters.
Although Miko patches are sometimes likened to a large, flexible fridge
magnet, magnetism is usually all that they have in common. It took
several years of careful research to develop patches capable of the tasks
they perform. First and foremost a patch must create a powerful bond
despite many layers of paint or corrosion that may sit between it and the
metal. This is achieved by mixing rare-earth particles with an exceptionally

14

beacon / NOVEMBER 2011

A holed Norwegian trawler is refloated with a Miko patch.

magnetic
or flexible
patches can
often
prevent
more
leakage

strong blend of Nitrile rubber.

With a stretch strength of 9000 N
per 5 cm it means that one fabric
strip is capable of lifting a car and
is more than adequate for most
repair applications. When the rareearth particles are mechanically
rolled together with the rubber,
they become distributed in parallel
lines. Consequently, when they
are magnetised, they become
intensely powerful, which led to
further study to identify the most
suitable rubber compound. Soft
rubber is more flexible and
achieves a better seal, but can
also allow the powerful magnetic
particles to realign themselves
and lose the benefit of being

Loss
Prevention

By Paul Eastaugh
Miko Marine AS

info@miko.no

arrayed in parallel lines. With this

obstacle overcome, a finished
patch weighs ten kilograms per
square metre, necessitating an
additional layer of material to
provide buoyancy. With lifting lugs
also fixed to the patch during
manufacture, it can be easily
manoeuvred into position under
water by divers. Once in place the
powerful magnetic bond can, if
desired, be reinforced by additional
magnets to create a dependable
watertight seal that enables
interior compartments to be
pumped dry or the dangers of
further oil leakage to be eliminated.

The benefits of Miko patches were

demonstrated in the northern
Norwegian fishing port of Vads
when a substantial loss was
avoided after the trawler M/V Nybo
was holed in a collision and left in
danger of sinking. Two magnetic
patches supplied by the Norwegian
Coast Guard enabled the trawlers
hold to be quickly pumped dry and
most of its valuable catch to be
saved. Within six hours, a standard

Photo: Scanpix

When damage creates an uneven

surface, it may not be possible to
achieve an effective seal with Miko
magnetic patches alone. Under
these circumstances, the companys
hat-shaped patches can be used
with equal effect. These are
manufactured from a high-strength
fabric that combines polyester
reinforced PVC with aramid. It is
described as hat-shaped due to
its design as a shallow bag with a
brim that is held securely against
the hull beneath flexible aluminium
strips. These are quickly and
securely fixed in position by divers
using an underwater stapling tool.
The bag-like capacity of the patch
enables it to cover any irregular
tearing of the hull, while the
stapled brim ensures a strong
and watertight seal.

Patches from Miko Marine were recently used to stop leakage from the Hurtigruten vessel Nordlys in lesund, Norway.

The trawler
m/v Nybo was
holed in a
collision
and left in
danger of
sinking

hat-shaped patch had been delivered by Miko and fitted over the
damage so that the boat could sail to a repair yard. After some internal
reinforcement repairs, the trawler was considered seaworthy and
allowed to resume work. This was an important cash bonus for the
family-owned boat, which was able to continue trawling in Arctic waters
for three weeks with the Miko patch in place before going to a dry dock
for permanent repair when the season closed.
Although incidents such as these demonstrate the value of the patches
carried by the Norwegian Coast Guard, the need for their wider availability
persists. With slow, difficult and expensive underwater welding often the
only alternative, Miko magnetic and hat-shaped patches are often the
only alternative to an expensive claim.

read more

www.miko.no

beacon / NOVEMBER 2011

15

LOSS
PREVENTION
By Niki Mowinckel
Senior Surveyor/Port State Control Co-ordinator

Niki.Mowinckel@dnv.com

DNV introduces Port State Control Tool Kit

Passing inspection
DNVs PSC Tool Kit helps vessels pass
port state controls.

that provides guidance under

three PSC inspection scenarios.

Photo: 1-images.no

While DNV-classed vessels have led the industry for years with the lowest
port state control detention figures, a rising number of detentions were seen
in 2008. At the same time, DNV conducted a review of its port state control
customer support services.
As a result, a unique tool to assist the vessels crew as well as onshore
management has been developed. No ship should be sailing unless
the fire protection and essential safety equipment is in good shape and
in full compliance with ISM regulations. This is where the Port State
Control Tool Kit comes in useful. It provides reminders about essential
safety issues and guidelines for how to ensure quality.
The new Port State Control Tool Kit includes a handy reference
booklet. The booklet covers information regarding port state control
inspections and updates on changes to MoU rules, in addition to
removable posters showing good and bad practice. The posters can be
hung in key locations to remind crew members about best-practice
maintenance routines for some high-risk inspection areas. It also
contains a flowchart called Masters quick guide to PSC inspections

16

beacon / NOVEMBER 2011

It provides
reminders
about
essential
safety
issues ...

Using the DNV-designed software

known as PSC Wizard, shoreside
staff or onboard personnel can
customise checklists with relevant
reminders. Pictures of shipspecific systems and equipment
can be used as guidance when
carrying out regular maintenance
inspections. The software includes
generic checklists for all main
PSC focus areas based on DNVs
accumulated experience with
common problem areas. As users
can easily include their images
and ship-specific information, the
tool can be integrated into their
own maintenance programmes
The tool kit also helps prior to
departure with its special focus
on components with high
deficiency rates.
Since the launch in June 2009,
close to 4,000 tool kits have been
distributed or purchased by DNV
and non-DNV customers.
According to DNV, regular
updates will be available to users.
For more information,
contact DNVs PSC group at
portstatecontrol@dnv.com.

read more

www.dnv.com/psc

/ CURRENT

By Katinka Kure-Dziakonski
Client Servicing and Marketing Assistant, Skuld Offshore
Katinka@skuld.com

Skuld joins Offshore Europe

Going offshore in
Aberdeen
Skulds stand visualises the synergy
between traditional P&I, Skuld 1897s
marine and energy insurance and
Skuld Offshores special liability cover
for vessels and units operating in the
offshore industry.
.

Simon Smith, Skuld London (left) with

Gregory Thomas, Skuld Offshore.

James Scott and Parisha Bansil of Skuld 1897.

Offshore Europe 2011

/ Location:
Aberdeen, UK
/ Dates:
6 8 September
/ Floor space:
25,000 square metres
/ Exhibitors:
Over 1,500 from all
five continents
/ Unique visitors:
Approx. 32,000
Background: Ann-Charlotte Zervens, Kevin Campbell and Christofer Kobro of Skuld.
Foreground: Gregory Thomas, Skuld Offshore, talks with Claes Lindh, Skuld.

Katinka Kure-Dziakonski, Claes Lindh

and Ann-Charlotte Zervens of Skuld.

The Offshore Europe conference and exhibition in Aberdeen is where a worldwide audience of
technical specialists, engineers, industry leaders, insurance buyers and experts come together to
discuss all aspects of the upstream industry. This years conference theme was Securing Safe,
Smart, Sustainable Supply and all major oil and gas operating companies were present.
In September, Skuld exhibited for the first time at Offshore Europe
with representatives from Skuld P&I, Skuld Offshore and Skuld 1897
sharing the same stand. Such a collective effort underlines the
successful synergy between the three entities and illustrates the
complete insurance package Skuld now offers. The exhibition provided
a great profiling and networking opportunity for Skuld and useful
contacts were made.

Offshore Europe 2011 broke previous attendance records with a total

cumulative attendance of 48,575. Offshore Europe alternates with Offshore
Northern Seas in Stavanger, Norway. The next Offshore Europe will be
held during the week commencing 2 September 2013.

read more

www.skuld.com/offshore

beacon / NOVEMBER 2011

17

CURRENT

Looking back on Skulds membership magazine

200 issues young

Youre now reading the 200th edition of Skulds membership magazine. The publication has been
around in different forms and guises since October 1928, informing and educating its readership
about P&I issues.

A growing emphasis on loss prevention led

to the introduction of the newsletter, and
loss prevention has featured prominently
ever since. The first issue challenges
masters and crew to consider how they
can help owners reduce premiums,
including good advice on how to safely
transport timber, one of the most common
loads at the time. Another article advises
of a case where a vessel sailing to
Gothenburg hadnt taken on enough bunkers
coal in this case and needed to burn
part of its cargo to reach harbour.
Editions have come regularly ever since,
with a natural stop during and immediately
after the Second World War. Early issues
were black and white and in Norwegian
only. Illustrations were only used sparingly
from the very end of the 1950s and a regular
colour edition didnt see the light of day
until 1976. The first dual-language edition
came in 1983 and it wasnt until 1996 that
Skulds membership magazine became
English-language only. In fact, Beacon
only became Beacon in 1999 with its new
name and redesign.
In 2008, Beacon was redesigned again and
is now available electronically. It may look
very different from the 1920s, but as you turn
the pages, you can still feel the connection
with the first issues all those years ago.

October 1928 Skulds membership

magazine is launched.
read more

www.skuld.com/beacon

18

beacon / NOVEMBER 2011

CURRENT

Its 1976 and the magazine is in glorious colour

for the first time.

The first dual-language issue is

published in 1983.

Norways King Harald visits Skuld on its

100-year centenary in 1997.

Beacon becomes Beacon in 1999.

The March 1993 issue tackles the Braer

catastrophe.

The new look Beacon, March 2009.

beacon / NOVEMBER 2011

19

Current

CORRESPONDENTS, ENTERED VESSELS AND EMERGENCY HOTLINE

Download
the new Skuld app
Correspondent searches worldwide have become quicker with a brand new app. The app,
together with Skulds website and pdf access, are about to make the previously printed
List of Correspondents redundant.
Additional access to Skuld-entered vessels and the clubs emergency
hotline makes it worthwhile downloading the free-of-charge app to
your smartphone.
Correspondent search

Correspondent searches through the app are performed in three ways:

by name, by geographic area and through smartphone location services
for nearby correspondents. Searches list all correspondent details, such
as name, address, website and map reference. Favourites may be added
by pressing the star at the top right of the display.
Skulds List of Correspondents will no longer be printed and distributed.
The complete and continually-updated list is only available through the
Skuld app and Skulds website database www.skuld.com/correspondents.
Website access also includes a monthly-updated pdf version.
Vessel search

An app search gives detailed information for Skuld P&I-entered vessels.

Facts provided are vessel name, Skuld member and registered owner,
flag state, gross tons, IMO number, year built, vessel type, blue cards
and the Skuld syndicate where the vessel is listed.
Emergency 24/7 hotline

The Skuld app allows you to automatically dial Skulds emergency

telephone number. This gives immediate access to Skuld personnel at
all times of the day or night.
/

DOWNLOAD THE SKULD APP

/ For Android users:

Through Android Market,
search for Skuld.
/ For iPhone users:
Through App Store,
search for Skuld.

Android

iPhone

Just scan the QR code and download the

new app to your smartphone.
The free-to-download Skuld app makes finding vessels and correspondents much easier.

20

beacon / NOVEMBER 2011

/ personnel

news

from skuld offices

around the world

New Employees, Transfers and Promotions

1

SKULD
Aberdeen

SKULD
HAMBURG

SKULD
Moscow

1 / Kevin Campbell

5/ Annekatrin Chaudhary

9 / Arina Zamorova

Senior Executive Risk

Management

Claims Executive

Office Manager

Annekatrin, 35, is appointed

Claims Executive. She has
previously worked for the North
of England P&I Association.
Annekatrin is also a chartered
shipbroker. She has trained in
Hamburg with Maersk and
Safmarine and spent almost six
months on board a Bergesen
Capesize bulker.

Arina, 26, is appointed Office

Manager. Arina has a Bachelor
of Management and Engineering
in astronautical and rocket
science. Arina has previously
worked for insurance broker,
OMEGA, specialising in marine
insurance.

Kevin, 37, is appointed Senior

Executive Risk Management. He
has 14 years experience within
subsea construction companies
managing onshore and offshore
risks at project, departmental
and corporate levels within the
safety, tendering, project and
technical functions.

SKULD
Copenhagen
2 / Sofia Bengtsson
Claims Executive

10

12

11

Sofia, 27, is appointed Claims

Executive. She joined Skuld in 2010
as part-time Claims Assistant
and has worked full time as
Claims Executive in Copenhagen
since July last year. Sofia has a
law degree and a Master in
Maritime Law from Lund University.

Peter, 28, is appointed Claims

Executive. Peter has previously
worked as Assistant Attorney
with MAQS Law Firm. He
graduated from Copenhagen
University with a law degree.
4 / Morten Bjerregaard
Christiansen
Claims Executive

Morten, 38, is appointed Claims

Executive. He is Master Mariner
with a Master in Law. Previously,
he has sailed as an officer for
A.P. Mller-Mrsk and recently
worked as Police Prosecutor in
Copenhagen West Police.
/ Total number
of employees:

200

Administrative Assistant

10 / Sondre Aasb

Nicole, 36, is appointed

Administrative Assistant.
She has spent almost ten years
working in the U.S, mainly as
supervisor in a New Jersey
petrol distribution company.

Credit Controller

SKULD
LONDON

Sondre, 34, is appointed Credit

Controller. His previous position
was in credit monitoring for
SEB Kort AB.
11 / Marte Nordli Andersen
Executive Marketing &
Communication

Rahima, 32, is appointed

Receptionist/Office Manager.
She has previously worked at
British Marine Insurance and
QBE Insurance.

Marte, 28, is appointed Marketing

& Communication Executive.
She previously worked in corporate
communications for international
shipbuilding group STX Europe.
Marte has a Bachelor of Arts in
Journalism from University
College Falmouth, England.

8 / Simon R. Smith

12 / Milla Andrew

Director, Business Development

Underwriting AssistanT
Offshore Syndicate

7 / Rahima Khatun
Receptionist/Office Manager

3 / Peter Blcher
Claims Executive

13

6 / Nicole Multani

SKULD
Oslo

Simon, 46, is appointed Business

Development Director for Skuld.
He joined the insurance market
in 1984, underwriting marine
reinsurance for Cigna Re and, in
1990, joined Willis as Marine
Reinsurance Broker. At Willis he
was responsible for new
business development and
marketing of Willis services,
with emphasis on the Nordic
region and London.

Milla, 25, is appointed Underwriting

Assistant. She has previously
worked as Assistant Underwriter
for Zurich Insurance and its
Global Energy Liability team in
London.
13 / Niklas Tjorben

Sonnenschein

Claims Executive

Niklas, 29, is transferred to

Syndicate 1 in Oslo. He joined
Skuld Hamburg in 2010 after
finishing law studies in Germany
and Norway.

beacon
beacon//NOVEMBER
december2011
2008 21

14

15

16

14 / Tone Mari Stang

15 / Genadijs Miluskovs

16 / Thor-Christian Wang

Senior Executive Knowledge

Management and Training

Senior Executive,
Risk Management

Senior Executive, Application

Developer Finance

Tone, 39, is appointed Senior

Executive Knowledge
Management and Training.
Previously, she worked as
Corporate Intranet Manager in
Det Norske Veritas and has
many years experience within
knowledge management.

Genadijs, 47, is appointed Senior

Executive in Risk Management.
He has 15 years seagoing
experience as Chief Engineer,
mainly on reefer vessels. For the
last ten years, he worked as
Superintendent of LPG/C vessels
for Norgas I.M. Skaugen Group
and Vessel Manager for LNG/FSRU
vessels in Golar Wilhelmsen
Shipmanagement AS.

Thor-Christian Wang, 41, is

appointed Senior Executive,
Application Developer Finance.
He has a degree from the
Norwegian School of Information
Technology and previously
worked as Developer in DnB
NOR Eiendom. Thor-Christian
has long experience of several
programming languages
and extensive knowledge of
business intelligence solutions.

Skuld 1897
17

19

18

20

17 / Parisha Bansil

19 / Lucy Hilton

21 / Richard Rea

Assistant Energy Underwriter

Personal Assistant/Office
Assistant

MarINE and Energy

Liability Underwriter

Lucy Hilton, 20, is appointed

Personal Assistant/Office
Assistant. She has previously
worked in administrative/front
of house receptionist roles for
the head offices of Paddy Power
and Office Concierge.

Richard, 51, is appointed Marketing

and Energy Liability Underwriter.
Prior to joining Skuld, he was
Managing Director of the London
branch of Navigators Insurance.
Richard graduated from Oxford
University with a degree in
English Literature.

Parisha, 28, is appointed

Assistant Energy Underwriter in
Skuld 1897. She has previously
worked for Chartis in London
where she was part of the
energy team.
18 / Mark Barker
Claims Manager

Mark, 41, is appointed Claims

Manager. He has 20 years
experience working for Lloyds
Brokers Sedgwick, Willis Ltd.
and Jardine Lloyd Thompson as
Marine Claims Broker. He joined
Skuld 1897 in January with
responsibility for hull, energy,
cargo and liability claims.

21

22

beacon / NOVEMBER 2011

20 / Deepa Nathvani
Deputy Hull Underwriter

Deepa, 28, is appointed Deputy

Hull Underwriter. Deepa
previously worked as Assistant
Hull Underwriter at Mitsui
Sumitomo Syndicate for six
years. Deepa has a degree in
economics.

beacon / december 2008

/ news
OTHER SKULD NEWS

T
LIFEBOAS
RELEA E
HOOKS

Class of 2011: Schools out this time at Vigeland Park, Oslo. A sight-seeing tour of the
city is part of Skuld Schools social side.

Skuld School comes

of age
The 18th consecutive Skuld School has just been held in Oslo with
participants from 24 countries. From its humble beginnings in 1994,
the intake has grown ten-fold to a regular group of 100 students.
Lectures and seminars have been taken out of house and are conducted
in city-centre conference facilities by Skuld staff. The course is run
over three days and gives a thorough introduction into P&I and how the
association operates. Upon graduation, students receive their
Certificate in P&I Insurance.
Its not all work. Social events have become increasingly appreciated
by both delegates and Skuld staff, and are seen as an opportunity to
network and create new contacts. It could even be said that Skuld
Schools popularity has taken us by surprise. In just a few days of email
invitations being sent to members, brokers and other industry contacts,
the course fills to capacity. Naturally we are delighted at the response
and cant wait to welcome the class of 2012!

Lifeboat Release Hooks is a guide to help develop loss prevention programmes and
maintenance manuals.

Latest Skuld publication

Lifeboat Release Hooks

The booklet, Lifeboat Release Hooks, covers the important subject of
lifeboat-related accidents.
As seafarers often serve on different ships, they may be unfamiliar
with a vessels lifeboats. Consequently, accidents are frequently
caused by poor understanding of lifeboat operations, particularly the
release gear systems, and shortfalls in repair and maintenance. In
response to these issues, Skuld has published Lifeboat Release Hooks
in co-operation with Witherby Seamanship International. The aim is to
help members prevent future lifeboat-related accidents. It is meant as
a guide to help develop loss prevention programmes and maintenance
manuals.
All Skuld members have received a copy of the booklet free
of charge. Further copies may be ordered directly from
www.witherbyseamanship.com. By entering the promotional
code SKULDSPEC, members receive 20% discount on the
retail price of USD 32.

read more

www.skuld.com/Publications/Lifeboats-Release-Hooks
beacon / NOVEMBER 2011

23

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about skuld

24-hour

emergency

number
+47 952 92 200

Call this number if you have

an emergency where Skuld
can assist.

beacon back issues

For back issues of Beacon, please go to the publications
section of our website. You can print an entire issue or
use the table of contents to select individual articles.

skuld.com

As the New Generation P&I Club,

Skuld provides liability insurance
to new generation shipowners and
clients in the shipping industry.
The head office for global operations
is located in Oslo, with additional
offices in Aberdeen, Bergen,
Copenhagen, Hamburg, Hong Kong,
London, Moscow, New York and
Piraeus.

Earlier editions

skulde
azin 199
mag2011
/ issue
marcH

www.skuld.com/Beacon

d
skuleFence
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/ 16
ectioned
insp
Failing and arm
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