The London P&I Club marked a milestone on Oct 20 by opening a representative office in Shanghai's Pudong New Area, becoming the first overseas non-profit mutual insurance organization to establish a physical presence on the Chinese mainland.

It is also the first member of the International Group of P&I Clubs to take this step.

With its arrival, the total number of international maritime organizations in Pudong has risen to 11, further consolidating the district's position as a global hub for shipping institutions and resources.

John Lyras, chairman of the club, praised Pudong's forward-looking policies, open business environment, and strong commitment to innovation. He said the Shanghai office represents both a strategic move and a long-term commitment to the Chinese market.

Founded in 1866, the London P&I Club is one of the 12 members of the International Group of P&I Clubs, recognized for its global expertise in marine insurance and presence in major maritime hubs worldwide.

Industry observers note that the new office will help enhance local capacity for underwriting complex, high-value maritime risks and better align Shanghai with international marine insurance standards. This advancement is expected to strengthen the city's influence in global shipping insurance pricing and rule-making.

As the first authorized representative office on the Chinese mainland by the International Group of P&I Clubs, the establishment is also expected to attract more member clubs to explore opportunities in Pudong.

The London P&I Club also plans to host major global events such as board meetings and anniversary celebrations in the district, bringing together senior executives from leading international shipping and insurance institutions.

Today, as the core area in Shanghai's drive to become an international shipping center, Pudong is home to nearly 13,000 shipping-related enterprises and high-end service providers.

Source: Pudong New Area government