Port Authorities

There are two basic methods of managing a Port Authority; the first is "involved" where the authorities are responsible for the management of the Port and Operations, and also take a direct in such operations as stevedoring, ship repairing, engineering etc. whilst "Passive" Authorities are more likely to lease out these operations to external contractors and experience suggests that by far the majority of Ports are managed on a "Passive" manner.

Port Authorities even if of a "passive" nature, are still responsible for the general efficiency and safety of the port and its approaches, and may therefore, incur liability from any number of sources. In addition to general public or third party liability exposure, most ports have entered into contracts, for such things as leased buildings, hired-in plant and equipment and in many cases this aspect of contractual liability may be overlooked in a typical Port Authority cover.

Basic Cover

• Legal Liability to Third Parties in respect of death, bodily injury and property damage arising within the port and occasioned through the Assured's activities
• Contractual Liability.

Contractual Liability

In addition, various extensions of cover may be purchased dependant upon the ports requirements, including:

• Liability for hired in plant and equipment
• Tenants and occupiers
• Excess Protection and Indemnity for owned vessels
• Removal of wreck
• Unregistered vehicles.

We would recommend that a specifically designed contract is arranged that specifically recognises the "edge of the water" nature of operations thus avoiding the necessity to purchase a variety of different "top-up" insurances, adding to the overall cost and risking gaps in coverage.

Port Authorities have differing requirements dependant on their size, and scope of activities etc. An encompassing programme addressing all areas of liability and physical damage to property and equipment is usually the most efficient manner of arranging cover with a bespoke wording designed and tailored to meet the particular requirements of individual clients.

Although the concept of packaging all elements of risk into a single policy is in the majority of cases effective they do not suit every operation or even match insurers appetite. Every Port will have a unique blend of exposures arising from the type of traffic and vessels using the facilities.

We have experience in creating bespoke policies to address the individual client needs. Our knowledge enables us to negotiate the broadest cover at competitive premiums. We access insurers in all of the major insurance markets.