West P&I Club joins battery forum

Founded in 2014 and now with 70 members, the Maritime Battery Forum brings together a whole host of maritime stakeholders to advance the use of electrification to help the shipping industry decarbonise.

The forum enables shipowners, cargo movers, classification societies and others to better understand the risks associated with the use of lithium-ion batteries on ships and in onshore charging infrastructure.

“As the industry embraces lithium-ion batteries in various applications on board ships, we recognise the importance of comprehending the risks associated with these evolving technologies,” said Captain Simon Hodgkinson, global head of loss prevention at West P&I.

“This understanding is essential for us as a P&I Club to effectively support our members and provide insurance coverage as they work towards meeting the ambitious goal of achieving net zero emissions.”

Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries represent a significant risk to shipowners and operators and can result in large claims. These can be caused by the transportation of electric as well as the use of lithium-ion batteries on board vessels.

In related news, West has reinforced its claims team by promoting Paul Kaye, who has been with the club for 13 years, to deputy group head of claims.

Kaye will retain his role as head of claims for the European team, whilst deputising for the group head of claims, Suzanne Byrne, who congratulated him on his promotion. “His experience and knowledge will be invaluable in providing input on the large claims across the club and in particular in supporting the London claims teams,” she said.

“I believe this new role will strengthen and enhance the service we provide to members in an increasingly complex and challenging claims landscape.”

West P&I’s global claims teams combined are now one of the largest departments across the club, with teams in London, Singapore, Greece, Hong Kong and New York.