The Association actively participates in various committees as a member of the International Group of P&I Clubs (IG). Below is a report highlighting the proceedings of the Correspondents Conference organised by the IG Correspondents Committee, which was held from 29 September to 1 October 2026.

Every four years, the Correspondents Committee convenes the Correspondents Conference, primarily in London, bringing together correspondents from around the world to express sincere gratitude for their ongoing cooperation, reaffirm their vital roles and facilitate key information sharing. In recent years, regional correspondents seminars have also been hosted between these conferences, with previous events held in Singapore and Hong Kong.

Overview of the Correspondents Conference (London)
This year's conference took place at the headquarters building of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), situated along the River Thames in London. The IMO formulates international rules and conventions to ensure maritime navigation safety and marine environmental protection. Holding consultative status with the IMO, the IG actively participates in treaty-drafting discussions to present industry perspectives, maintaining a close collaborative relationship. Participating and giving a speech at the conference held at such a prestigious location as the IMO Headquarters was an extraordinary privilege for the Association.

Correspondents gathered from over 110 countries worldwide, with total registrations exceeding 700 delegates, making it the largest Correspondents Conference in history.

The main theme for this year was "Harnessing the Power of Correspondents," featuring presentations by P&I clubs, local correspondents and external industry organisations on prominent contemporary topics. Key topics included cautionary guidance on the rising reports of solid bulk cargo liquefaction and the increasing difficulties in securing ports of refuge during vessel fires, as well as drug smuggling challenges in Latin America. Additionally, practical examples were shared demonstrating how local correspondents implemented Contingency Plans to maintain operations and communication networks in regions facing unforeseen circumstances, such as unexpected communication disruptions and political instability. These presentations passionately highlighted how correspondents' specialised knowledge and field experience prove invaluable in complex scenarios. Furthermore, networking sessions were provided to enable clubs to engage directly with numerous correspondents in allotted times, prompting lively discussions on local claims cases and regional situations.

Representing our Association, Claims Executive Riku Uchida delivered a presentation in the same session with Argentine correspondent Pandi Liquidadores under the common theme of Artificial Intelligence (AI), examining AI from the respective perspectives of correspondents and P&I clubs.

During the presentation, Pandi Liquidadores introduced practical AI utilisation in daily operations, along with its advantages and disadvantages. Following this, our Association outlined prospective areas where AI could be integrated into routine P&I claims handling, while highlighting essential caveats. Furthermore, we emphasised that as we coexist with AI, the evolving roles of both P&I claims handlers and correspondents will demand critical human discretion and judgement, advocating that AI should serve as a collaborative partner to elevate service quality rather than a replacement for human expertise.

Amidst concerns over our roles being replaced by AI with its rapid advancement, our presentation emphasised that correspondents—who swiftly deliver real-time on-site intelligence and cultivate vital local relationships—are absolutely irreplaceable by AI. We conveyed to all attendees that strengthening our mutual cooperation is increasingly vital for both clubs and correspondents to remain the preferred choice for our Members. Given the widespread contemporary interest in AI, the presentation received enthusiastic feedback from numerous correspondents and club representatives following the session.

Our Association will continue to actively contribute to the IG network, reinforce our collaboration with correspondents and deliver up-to-date industry developments to our Members, thereby contributing to the safe operation of vessels and protecting the interests of our Members

Event duration and location:

Date: 29 September (Tuesday) - 1 October (Thursday)

Location: IMO Building in London