Chen Jining (right), Party secretary of Shanghai, meets with Andrew Cutler, chair of the International Group of Protection and Indemnity Clubs and CEO of Britannia P&I Club, on the afternoon of June 28, 2024. [Photo by Chen Zhengbao]

Chen Jining, Party secretary of Shanghai, met with Andrew Cutler, chair of the International Group of Protection and Indemnity Clubs and CEO of Britannia P&I Club, along with leaders of other P&I clubs, on the afternoon of June 28.

The International Group is a not-for-profit association of 12 P&I clubs providing marine liability coverage for 90 percent of the world's ocean-going tonnage. The member clubs, while individually competitive, share large loss exposures and pool their respective knowledge and expertise, according to the group's official website, igpandi.org.

Hailing the International Group as an important international organization in the field of marine insurance, Chen expressed optimism about the ample opportunities for future cooperation between Shanghai and the organization.

"Shanghai thrives because of its port," Chen said. "The city is accelerating its transformation into an international shipping center through green development, digital transformation, and legal guarantees."

Chen expressed hope that the two sides would deepen communication and exchanges, and enhance their level of cooperation. He encouraged the organization to establish more new businesses and platforms in Shanghai, and leverage its resources and expertise to facilitate personnel exchanges and training.

"We will continue to create a first-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based, and international, supporting global shipping companies and institutions in achieving greater development in Shanghai," Chen added.

Leaders of other P&I clubs. [Photo by Chen Zhengbao]

The delegation led by Cutler expressed confidence in Shanghai's prospects as an international shipping center. They expressed their commitment to deepening pragmatic cooperation with Shanghai around new businesses and models, and to strengthening the exchange of experience and practices.

In addition to Cutler, attendees included:

-Nick Shaw, CEO of the International Group of P&I Clubs;

-Jeremy Grose and Paul Jennings, managing directors of the NorthStandard;

-Nigel Carden, chairman of the Board of Thomas Miller P&I Ltd, overseeing the management of the UK P&I Club;

-Ståle Hansen, president and CEO of Skuld;

-Tom Bowsher, CEO of the West of England P&I Club;

-Thomas Nordberg, managing director of the Swedish Club;

-Ian Gooch, CEO of the London P&I Club.