The maritime piracy problem persists. Pirates continue to attack and detain vessels, particularly in the Indian Ocean. And, according to IMB statistics, ship piracy is spreading elsewhere, notably to waters off West Africa; and broadly, the periods of detention and the quantum of ransoms demanded are increasing.
Ship hijacking cases are matters of considerable complexity; issues of legality, regulatory problems, matters of hostage negotiation and logistics are all to be considered. Piracy cases require crisis management skills and, generally, careful co-operation/co-ordination between many interests: owners, managers, charterers, brokers, cargo interests, adjusters, consultants (hostage negotiators) and the respective insurers for the various interests.
Hill Dickinson has been involved in a large number of such cases. Our work is ongoing.
Advice and assistance is available in relation to:
- crisis/casualty management;
- insurance/reinsurance coverage;
- policy/wordings drafting;
- K&R insurance/special contingency insurance;
- P&I Club cover;
- bill of lading/charterparty issues/contracts of affreightment;
- voyage planning, re-routing and piracy preparedness;
- cruise ship contracts and related issues; and
- contracts for security personnel.
We also provide in-house briefings to clients on the matters arising as they affect the various interests.
- Meet the teamClick above
