Introduction
This year marks the 125th anniversary of the International Group of P&I Clubs (IG). Initially formed in 1899, the six Clubs of the so-called London Group of P&I Clubs entered into a claims sharing agreement called the “Pool”. The IG is now made up of 12 not-for-profit mutual insurance associations, including the Japan P&I Club, and the Group Clubs between them insure approximately 90% of world ocean-going tonnage. Each of the 12 clubs is independent of the others, and provides indemnity cover for its members against liabilities arising in their respective businesses. The Clubs also co-operate on various issues in the area of shipowners’ liabilities. One of the functions of the IG is to provide a platform for exchanging information on common concerns while maintaining confidentiality on specific details. These exchanges typically take place within committees made up of representatives from the Clubs, and we actively participate in these to ensure that Members’ voices are heard. Amongst the committees we are involved in are the Correspondents’ Committee, which recognises the importance of correspondents in claims handling, the Claims Cooperation Committee, the Personal Injury Committee, the Salvage Committee, and the Large Casualty Committee.

We would like to tell you about the Correspondents Seminar, which was hosted by the Correspondents Committee in Hong Kong in June this year.

IG and Correspondents
To ensure swift responses to incidents anywhere and anytime worldwide, the IG Clubs appoint Correspondents with expertise in claims handling at major ports across the globe. These Correspondents gather local information, arrange investigations, and coordinate with stakeholders to protect the interests of the Member. The Correspondents List is published on each club’s website. Japan P&I Club appoints around 600 Correspondents worldwide, establishing strong relationships to support the Members with professional expertise. You can view our correspondents here.

The Correspondents Committee is made up of representatives from all IG clubs. Its purpose is to build and strengthen relationships with Correspondents in each country.

Every four years, the Correspondents Committee hosts the Correspondents Conference, primarily in London. It brings together Correspondents from around the world and allows Clubs to express their gratitude to Correspondents for their ongoing assistance to Members, reaffirm their roles, and share information on matters important to them. Since 2019, regional Correspondents Seminars have also been held between the Correspondents Conference periods, with the first in Singapore and the second in Hong Kong, this year.

Overview of the Correspondents Seminar (held in Hong Kong)
One of the notable features of this seminar was the theme of technological innovation. Topics included the characteristics and safety of alternative fuels, the recent surge in fire incidents involving electric vehicle batteries, advancements in incident response and handling technology due to IT evolution, and the use of generative AI. Seminars were presented by international experts. There were also intense discussions between the IG Clubs and Correspondents on difficult subjects such as sanctions.

From our club, Claims Executive Yasuko Tanaka delivered a lecture entitled “Cargo claims handling issues in Asia,” in which she discussed recent trends in cargo claims in the Asian region. The well-received lecture focused on the importance of understanding the trends in bulk cargo claims, which constitute a significant portion of claims in Asia, and in different countries within the region. With the seminar taking place in Hong Kong, one of Asia's leading maritime cities, and focusing on regional topics, we hope to have contributed to the IG network in Asia as the only club based in the region and, by extension, to the global IG network through information sharing.

Event duration and location:
Date: 26 June 2024 (Wednesday) – 28 June (Friday)
Location: Renaissance Hong Kong Harbour View Hotel

Conclusion
Through daily claims handling, the Japan P&I Club has established a strong network with Correspondents appointed worldwide. We also share information extensively through the activities of the IG’s Correspondents Committee. With this robust global network, we will continue to provide high-quality claims handling services to ensure that Members feel secure, no matter when or where an incident occurs.