London marine insurers expand Middle East war-risk zones

Marine insurers in London have expanded the list of high-risk maritime areas in response to escalating hostilities across the Middle East.

The decision was announced by the Joint War Committee (JWC), which represents marine insurance syndicates operating in the London market.

The committee confirmed that several additional regions have now been formally designated as war-risk zones, including:
• Bahrain
• Djibouti
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Qatar

At the same time, existing high-risk areas have been extended, covering parts of the Red Sea, sections of the Pakistani coastline, and waters stretching toward the Somalia border.

The changes were formalised in Joint War Committee Circular JWLA-033, issued on 3 March.

Additional premiums for vessels

The Joint War Committee provides guidance for insurers covering Hull and Machinery risks, which include threats linked to:
• armed conflict
• terrorism
• piracy
• other maritime security incidents.

Ships entering any of the listed areas must notify their insurers before entering the region.

Operators are typically required to pay additional war-risk premiums, reflecting the heightened operational dangers.

Failure to declare a voyage into these zones could result in insurance coverage becoming invalid.

Ports and coastal waters included

The war-risk designation applies not only to ports but also to coastal waters extending up to 12 nautical miles from shore.

It also includes:
• offshore terminals
• port authority facilities
• maritime infrastructure operating within those boundaries.

Detailed information about the expanded zones has been published on the websites of the Lloyd’s Market Association and the International Underwriting Association of London.

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