Pen hires Bryant for marine war underwriting role

Pen Underwriting has appointed Kane Bryant as war underwriter within Vessel Protect, its marine war risk insurance specialist.

Bryant (pictured) joins from Amphitrite Underwriting, where he focused on marine hull and war underwriting.

He previously held marine underwriting roles at MS Amlin and Travelers, covering a wider portfolio including marine cargo, yachts and war.

Vessel Protect forms part of Pen Underwriting’s specialist marine practice.

Backed by Lloyd’s capacity, Vessel Protect can offer war risk cover of up to $250m for any one vessel and cargo war coverage limits of up to $100m.

Pen said the limits are believed to be among the largest available in the global marine war market.

Bryant will work with the MGA’s dedicated marine war underwriting team to provide cover for single vessels and large multinational fleets.

Pen said the appointment adds specialist capability at a time of high demand in a changing marine war risk market.

Tom Batterbury, managing director of Freeboard Maritime and Vessel Protect, said: “We’re excited to welcome Kane to the Vessel Protect team as a war underwriter.

“His technical expertise, market insight and collaborative approach make him a great addition to the business.

“Kane will play an important role in strengthening our proposition and supporting our clients.

“With the marine war risks market still dominated by geopolitical volatility, highly dynamic pricing and the need for transit-by-transit risk assessment, our focus remains on providing brokers and their clients with quick enquiry turnaround, rapid exposure assessment, bespoke underwriting and consistency of cover.

“Adding Kane to the team will ensure Vessel Protect continues to differentiate itself on service as well as product in what is a complex and changeable environment,” he said.

The MGA said it would help ensure high-value vessels and modern fleets transiting active conflict zones can obtain appropriate cover.

Bryant’s appointment forms part of Pen Underwriting’s continued investment in its marine practice.

Pen announced Hayley Robbins last month as an underwriter in Trafalgar Marine Trades, its specialist marine trades business.

Dolores Mirmi also joins this month as underwriter in the international ports and terminals specialism, which goes to market as BMM P&T Ltd, a trading name of Pen Underwriting Limited.

Bryant added: “What appealed to me most about Vessel Protect was its position as a market leader with a well-established and proven book of marine war business.

“The opportunity to work alongside a highly experienced team of underwriters makes it an excellent environment in which to contribute and add long-term value.”