Insurance challenges in maritime and offshore operations
Maritime and energy operations are conducted within an increasingly complex framework of regulation, heightened safety requirements and rapid technological development. Insurance issues arise throughout the lifecycle of projects and operations, from contractual structuring and placement of cover to casualty response and disputes.
Decisions frequently need to be taken at short notice, on the basis of incomplete information, and in close coordination with technical, commercial and operational considerations. The risk profile continues to evolve, with insurance considerations increasingly extending to security-related incidents, sanctions exposure and cyber risks. These developments raise complex questions of cover, liability and compliance.
Legal assistance in marine and energy insurance claims and casualties
Our lawyers advise Norwegian and international insurers, reinsurers, shipowners, charterers, energy companies and brokers on all marine and energy insurance matters including major marine insurance claims, offshore losses and complex cover analyses. Work may typically involve major casualties, including collisions, groundings, fires, salvage operations and wreck removal, coverage disputes and policy drafting, as well as ongoing support in connection with complex projects and operations.
Our experience with emergency response and casualty management provides a practical understanding of the interaction between insurance law, maritime law, contractual obligations and regulatory requirements.
Dispute resolution and settlement
Many matters are resolved through negotiation and commercial settlement. Where disputes cannot be avoided, we assist clients in arbitration and litigation, both domestically and internationally. This includes arbitration under Nordic and international arbitration rules and insurance disputes before Norwegian courts.
Our marine and energy insurance services include
Thommessen's marine and energy insurance practice builds on the firm’s established, leading insurance capability and long-standing involvement in the insurance market. The work is carried out by a dedicated team with in-depth understanding of the marine and energy industries, closely involved in high-value and time-critical cases where legal analysis must be aligned with technical, operational and commercial realities.
Our services typically include:
- Advice on marine and energy insurance matters governed by Norwegian law, including national and international P&I terms, the Nordic Marine Insurance Plan and international H&M terms, NOWIC and international forms, such as WELCAR and WINDCAR
- Claims handling, including emergency response, casualties, salvage and wreck removal
- Drafting and reviewing of insurance policy conditions
- Cover analyses and handling of cover disputes
- Negotiating and finalising insurance settlements
- Litigation and arbitration, including institutional arbitration such as the Nordic Offshore and Maritime Arbitration Association (NOMA), the Oslo Chamber of Commerce (OCC), as well as ad hoc arbitration
- Advice relating to all types of marine and energy insurance, including hull & machinery (H&M), protection & indemnity (P&I), cargo, war risks, loss of hire and builders’ risks
