GEOMAR Maritime Consultants & Surveyors, a P&I Correspondent for a number of IG P&I Clubs within Georgian ports (Batumi, Poti, and Kulevi), was pleased to be among the attendees at this important industry event. The company would like to thank the organizers for their efforts in putting together a successful seminar.
This year the International Group of P&I Clubs (IG) held its regional Correspondents’ Seminar in Hong Kong from June 26th to 28th, 2024. The event brought together P&I correspondents from the region and around the world to discuss a wide range of pressing issues facing the maritime industry.
The seminar program delved into a variety of critical topics, equipping attendees with the latest knowledge and fostering discussions on how to navigate current challenges. Here are some of the key areas covered:
Global Insights: This session featured a keynote address and provided an overview of the current maritime landscape, including economic trends, geopolitical developments, and their impact on the P&I industry. These insights are particularly valuable for GEOMAR, as they help us stay informed about global trends that may affect our clients in Georgian ports.
New Technology: Experts explored the implications of emerging technologies like electric vehicles and their associated fire risks, the use of advanced modeling for incident investigations, and the potential of alternative fuels in the shipping sector. As a P&I Correspondent, GEOMAR stays abreast of new technologies to ensure we can effectively handle claims.
Claims Handling: Discussions focused on best practices in handling various claims, including personal injury with a focus on evidence collection and shipboard investigations, the evolving landscape of casualty claims, and the specific challenges of cargo claims handling in the Asian region. GEOMAR actively handles many of these claim types within Georgian ports, and the seminar provided valuable insights into best practices for handling them effectively.
Looking Ahead: The seminar concluded with a forward-looking session exploring developments in spill response for non-hydrocarbon pollutants, the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the P&I industry, and a thought-provoking discussion on the importance of "knowledge" in the maritime world. These sessions are crucial for GEOMAR to stay prepared for future challenges and opportunities within the maritime industry.
The P&I Correspondents’ Seminar served as a valuable platform for GEOMAR and other attendees to gain insights, share experiences, and build relationships within the global P&I network. The 2024 edition in Hong Kong proved to be a successful gathering, fostering collaboration and equipping participants with the knowledge needed to address the evolving needs of the maritime industry.
On behalf of the company, we want to express our sincere appreciation to Mr Garry Stevens - The Chairman of the IG Correspondents Committee for a well-organized and productive regional P&I correspondents seminar.