Company news

Piracy and armed robbery against vessels are some of the modern day challenges of the maritime and offshore industries. Recent incidents, especially off the West African coast, have reminded the shipping industry and the public in general about the violence and cruelty with which piracy attacks are conducted, the dangers faced by those on board, as well as the significant losses that may occur both in terms of human life and property.

Decision on payment of last instalment of premium deferred.

Finding solutions to the critical problem of seafarers trapped on vessels is required now. Creating global “key worker” status for crew is vital to maintaining their health and safety, while at the same time supporting the global supply chain. 90% of the world’s good travel by sea and, at any given time, around 200,000 sailors are in transit for crew changes around the world.

As we have all seen over the past weeks, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted every aspect of global commerce and continues to evolve daily. As a result, Members have raised many questions concerning Club cover. While every case will depend on its specific facts, we identify below the heads of cover most likely implicated by the COVID-19 pandemic and provide guidance to Members on the most frequently asked questions.

During these extraordinary times and in light of the continuing spread of COVID-19 Gard has taken the difficult decision to cancel some of the major Gard events coming up in 2020.

Dear friends,

As we approach the Easter break, I wanted to give you an update from Gard and our current position. Our three main priorities over the past weeks have been helping our Members and clients, ensuring our financial strength and making sure our people are safe in every way.

Dear friends,

It is now just about a week since a good number of us went from vibrant office environments to our different home offices.

With the closing of the 2020 P&I renewal, Gard today announced that its net tonnage had increased by over 15 million in the last 12 months, with total owners’ mutual now in excess of 229 million GT. 99% of existing tonnage stayed with Gard.

Gard announced today that Marie Kelly has been appointed as Vice President, Defence and will head up the Defence team in London.

A scholarship can come with unforeseen benefits. Andreas Lervik, one of last year’s winners of the Claes Isacson Scholarship, has found the scholarship valuable for both study and networking purposes.

We have appointed new correspondents for both P&I and hull matters in Copenhagen, Denmark, covering all Danish ports.

Elizabeth Rust applied for the Claes Isacson Scholarship last year because it supported various field of studies. She is now pursuing a Master’s degree in Energy Systems at Oxford University with support from Gard.

The International Group cannot afford to stand still but must work hard to remain relevant to shipowner members and other industry stakeholders including through efforts to enhance safety and ensuring the sustainability of global shipping. 

Want to join the Underwriting team in one of the largest marine insurance organisations? We are looking for an Underwriter to join our Charterers & Traders team based either in London or Arendal. If you have a relevant degree and/or experience in commodity trading, shipping, trade law or marine insurance you may be the person we are looking for.

The scholarship for maritime education was launched in 2013 to honour the memory of Gard’s former CEO and his contribution to Gard. The aim of the scholarship is to help young people finance an education at university level with a view to finding work within the shipping and marine insurance sectors after completion of their studies. 

2020 is a key date in the Gard calendar, marking the two decades since Gard Marine & Energy was formed – a key turning point in the organisation’s history. While many things today feel completely different, the fundamentals remain absolutely the same.

The company expects that Gard will continue to maintain capital in excess of S&P's 'AAA' benchmark.