North P&I Strengthens Loss Prevention Presence in Asia Pacific

The 170 million GT North P&I Club has strengthened its loss prevention presence in the Asia-Pacific region this week by relocating loss prevention executive Andrew Kirkham from the UK head office to the Singapore branch office. 

North’s head of loss prevention Tony Baker says, ‘We have been working actively on loss prevention with our Asia Pacific Members for many years. However, the region now accounts for about one third of our business and further growth is planned, leading to increased demand for loss prevention support. 

‘Andrew’s extensive background and experience in the shipping industry and in loss prevention will enhance the services currently provided by our regional office teams in Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo and the loss prevention team in Newcastle upon Tyne.’

North’s loss prevention services include in-house training and general loss prevention advice together with a comprehensive range of training publications and courses, most of which are provided directly to Members. 

Kirkham spent 14 years at sea on cargo and container ships before working in various parts of the industry ashore and joining North’s loss prevention team in 2005, where he has made a significant contribution to developing the Club’s loss prevention programme. He is also a chartered shipbroker and has a master of law degree.

In addition to providing front-line loss prevention support to North’s Asia Pacific Members, Kirkham will coordinate the biennial Singapore residential training course in P&I insurance and loss prevention, which is supported by the Singapore Maritime and Port Authority. He will also support the Club’s Asia Pacific loss prevention working party that reports to the Club’s Member Directors.

According to Kirkham,  ‘I look forward to working more closely with our fast-growing Asia-Pacific membership, helping to develop their existing loss prevention programmes and bringing further benefit to their operations.’

For further information contact: Andrew Kirkham +65 641 10160 or Tony Baker +44 191 232 5221

Note to editors

North is a leading marine mutual liability insurer providing P&I, FD&D, war risks and ancillary insurance to 130 million GT of owned tonnage and 40 million GT of chartered tonnage, with 3500 ships entered by 330 Members worldwide. It is based in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK with regional offices in Greece, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore. The Club is a leading member of the International Group of P&I Clubs (IG), with around 13% of the IG’s owned tonnage. The 13 IG clubs provide liability cover for approximately 90% of the world’s ocean-going tonnage and, as a member of the IG, North protects and promotes the interests of the international shipping industry.