West of England P&I Club, a leading insurance provider to the global maritime industry, has strengthened its offshore team with the appointment of Michael Stockwell as Offshore Underwriter.

Michael Stockwell is a well-known figure in the salvage industry and joins West from his previous position as Director, Legal and Insurance, with Ardent Group. He brings extensive knowledge of the marine insurance sector, having also worked at the leading insurance broking house, Marsh.

Stockwells appointment adds further technical expertise to Wests offshore team, as well as significant legal and commercial experience in the offshore sector.

Will Tobin, Head of Offshore at West P&I Club said:

I am delighted Mike Stockwell is joining West to strengthen our offshore team. His depth of knowledge in the offshore and salvage industries will be invaluable in providing a first-class service for our Members. Mikes first-hand experience of the offshore industry, coupled with his knowledge of the liability insurance market, makes him an ideal fit for the team and his appointment further bolsters Wests credentials as a leading provider of liability cover to the offshore and specialist vessel sector.

The offshore industry presents a uniquely complex risk environment, from the decommissioning of end-of-life assets to the installation of new infrastructure, across oil & gas and the fast-growing renewables sector, as well as other specialist vessel operations, such as salvage and wreck removal, subsea activity or heavy lift projects. The pitfalls can be acute when placing or bidding for contracts, and even experienced operators need fast, accurate support to understand their contractual liabilities.

Will Tobin, Corporate Director at West of England P&I Club

Tom Bowsher, Group CEO at West of England P&I Club, commented:

In our 150th year, we are taking a relentlessly forward-looking approach to helping our Members control the full scope of risks that they face. The offshore sector is fast-evolving, from the burgeoning renewables sector to the opening up of new offshore markets around the globe. This brings opportunity, but also significant contractual and physical challenges. Our growing offshore team offers the specialist knowledge, expertise and products to help Members properly manage their liabilities.

Tom Bowsher, Group CEO at West of England P&I Club

Wests Offshore department provides bespoke insurance products to cover risks that lie beyond the scope of P&I for all vessel types used in the offshore sector, as well as other specialist vessels, including those deployed in the subsea and heavy lift operations. West also provides a contract review service and guidance on required insurance covers.

Michael Stockwells appointment follows the appointment last month of Captain Simon Hodgkinson as Global Head of Wests Loss Prevention department. Captain Hodgkinson joined West from Polarcus, where he was responsible for a fleet of seismic survey vessels.Source: West of England P&I Club

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West P&I Club Strengthens Offshore Team To Support Members In Oil & Gas And Renewables Sector - Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide