Striving for a more sustainable future

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The world around us is changing and at American Hellenic Hull Insurance Company (AHHIC) we believe in being proactive to achieve a more sustainable future. This is particularly important in our sector, given the essential role of insurance in the maritime adventure. Thus, AHHIC is the exclusive marine insurance company to sign the United Nations agenda and support the UNEPFI Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI) prioritizing at the same time the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth by the UN at all levels of the company activity.

The SDGs lay out a clear vision for a sustainable future, representing an opportunity to shape a new era for responsible business. Insurance is a vital commodity for the maritime community and we stand ready to respond to all unexpected risks, not least those related to sustainability issues.

We align with the 2030 United Nations Agenda, as we believe that the SDGs are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. For this reason, we have joined the United Nations Global Compact community adopting the SDG Action Manager. The SDG Action Manager is a tool that helps organisations assess their impact relative to the various SDGs and to help them improve.

American Hellenic Hull’s global impact assessment shows an outstanding sustainability performance according to the SDG Action Manager, with significant progress towards 12 out of 16 goals. As for the 17th, related to the partnerships for the goals, we have launched institutional partnerships and co-operations with the World Maritime University and the UNEPFI PSI.

AHHIC’s official Impact assessment is as follows:

Global challenges in the maritime industry

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The Global Maritime Forum conducted its first Future Maritime Leaders Essay Competition, which gave young people (aged 18-30) a chance for their voice to be heard in the debate about the future – and companies a chance to listen.

Eirini Gerani, Account Executive at American Hellenic Hull Insurance Company Ltd, participated in the competition stating the global challenges facing the maritime industry.

The global maritime industry is currently facing a wide range of challenges stemming from geopolitical changes, the new IMO regulations, technological evolution including Artificial Intelligence, threats to global trade growth and the need for greater sustainability. While the world is undergoing profound transformation, we consider these changes as bringing opportunity, especially from the perspective of sustainability.

Geopolitical changes that must be navigated by the maritime industry are many and various. They include the crisis in the Persian Gulf, instability in the Middle East, the widening of the Suez canal, the situation of states in Latin America, the trade war between USA and China, the rise of extremists in countries important for shipping such as Nigeria, the emergence of new maritime centers such us Singapore with the EU trying to upgrade its presence as a single maritime cluster. These are only some of the developments we currently have to deal with.

In addition, the new regulations introduced by the International Maritime Organization aim to make the shipping industry a sustainable conduit for global trade. The regulations imposing a low sulphur cap for fuel emissions from 01/01/2020, the 50% reduction of carbon emissions by 2050, proposals for slow steaming that are being discussed in the IMO’s working groups, and growing interest in cleaner fuels such as LNG, LPG, MGO and biofuels constitute a historic challenge for the maritime adventure. The transformation of the maritime industry towards a more eco-friendly environment is a path we all must walk.

Meanwhile, it is a fact that the shipping industry is one of the most proactive industries, investing more in new technologies than any other market. Smart technologies are central to many discussions. The maritime industry focuses on investments in technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), automation and the new unmanned vessels being trialled in the North Sea, big data analytics and cloud services. Such investments aim to modernize the industry increasing efficiencies and sustainability.

“Facing the 21st century as a “millennial”, it is a fact that our generation wishes to bring innovation that will drive the shipping industry forward. In terms of globalization, we also declare that we need a more sustainable environment. We bet on inclusive growth with a more holistic perspective on the industry and the human well-being. We have the opportunity to set a long – term sustainable economic environment, but hard work globally will be required to achieve and maintain such a goal. The investment in new talent and the safety and protection of the staff is another crucial issue we have to deal with, if we aim to consider ourselves as pioneers in the industry. To gain a more sustainable environment we shall all strengthen the pillars of Environment, Society and Economy”,  mentioned Eirini Gerani.

Furthermore, she underlined: “Personally, I am working in the marine insurance industry, one of the most sustainable industries in the entire maritime adventure. The marine insurance services shall be considered as a commodity serving the maritime industry. American Hellenic Hull Insurance Company provides hull and machinery services to the international maritime industry. My colleagues and I are committed to incorporate social, environmental and business issues into a sustainable holistic strategy towards our insurance business. Working closely and transparently with our clients, we intend to serve the UN Sustainable Development Goals to achieve inclusive growth in our business, and promote at the same time human well-being and talent”.

WMU and AHHIC sealed their cooperation in marine insurance

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The World Maritime University (WMU), founded by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), has widened its focus to include the marine hull and machinery insurance sector for the first time, thanks to a new cooperation with American Hellenic Hull Insurance Company (AHHIC).

On the occasion of Maritime Cyprus 2019, hosted by the Deputy Ministry of Shipping and the Government of Cyprus, the World Maritime University and American Hellenic Hull Insurance Company signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of marine insurance. The WMU and AHHIC recognize their mutual interest in the field of maritime and oceans, development and expertise and protection of the marine environment. A marine insurance postgraduate diploma, professional development courses, and marine insurance related events were among the areas of agreement between the WMU and AHHIC.

Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, WMU President, hailed the signing of the MoU: “It is an honor for me being here to sign the first MoU of its kind in the field of marine insurance with American Hellenic Hull, subsidiary of the American P&I Club. I am very delighted that we will support each other in terms of education. The WMU is founded by the IMO, with the mandate as an education, research and capacity-building institution for the Maritime and Oceans community. It is very important for us to cooperate with American Hellenic Hull supporting our students to enhance their knowledge in the field of marine insurance. By supporting WMU, AHHIC also supports the IMO in the effective implementation of regulations and compliance in areas of importance.  International conventions must not only be signed and ratified, they must also be effectively implemented in law and in practice. This will ensure that the maritime industry will continue to be the engine to secure and drive the world economy, with 80% of world trade being carried by sea”.

Ms. Natasa Pilides, Shipping Deputy Minister of the Republic of Cyprus underlined: “It is great honour to have you all here special thanks to your participation at the Maritime Cyprus 2019 Conference and Exhibition. We appreciate that American Hellenic Hull is a really important company within the Cyprus maritime cluster. We wish to thank AHHIC for its support of Maritime Cyprus 2019 as a gold sponsor, and its initiative to sign this MoU, within its framework. The Shipping Deputy Ministry places great focus on education and wishes to create an environment in which young executives are nurtured and developed professionally in such a way as to expand the expertise available within our maritime cluster. The MoU signed today will contribute in this direction and we are looking forward to its implementation”.

Mr. Philippos Philis, President of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, addressed the Signing Ceremony stating at the same time the important role of education and expertise to the young talent who lead the future of shipping.

Mr. Ilias Tsakiris, CEO of American Hellenic Hull Insurance Company, stated: “AHHIC is striving to promote Cyprus as a world center not only for shipping, but also for education and excellence. In cooperation with the American P&I Club, American Hellenic Hull, would like to extend that this cooperation with the World Maritime University will provide a curriculum to young executives that will be the next decision makers in our industry. We wish to facilitate their education as part of the Cypriot Maritime Cluster. Furthermore, we would like to invite WMU to increase its presence in Cyprus, bearing in mind Cyprus’ tradition as a maritime nation. The Minister and the Government are trying to enhance education within the maritime cluster and we wish that the WMU will endorse their efforts for a better global maritime community”.

The MOU shall have a duration of five (5) years

 

 

 

 

Five consecutive months of profitable operations for American Hellenic Hull

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American Hellenic, the American Club’s hull insurance subsidiary, remains on its dynamic upward trajectory after a profitable summer period. August was the company’s fifth consecutive month of profitable operations, thanks to the market continuing to firm and the company’s strong underwriting loss ratio of 64.7%.

At end of August, AHHIC had an insured fleet of 2,127 vessels – a year-on-year increase of 14% – with an average 7.98% line of cover. Written premium was 13% higher than at the same stage last year. During the year the company’s total assets have increased by 16%, while current assets are 332% of current liabilities. Long overdue items are at their lowest-ever level at about 1% while the company’s operating expenses are currently 14.3% below budgeted amounts.

In August the company’s capital stood at 116% of the Solvency Capital Requirement (SCR) and 166.6% of the Minimum Capital Requirement (MCR).

Launch of cooperation with the World Maritime University

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The World Maritime University (WMU), founded by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), has widened its focus to include the marine hull and machinery insurance sector for the first time, thanks to a new cooperation with American Hellenic Hull Insurance Company (AHHIC).

On the occasion of Maritime Cyprus 2019, hosted by the Deputy Ministry of Shipping and the Government of Cyprus, the World Maritime University and American Hellenic Hull Insurance Company signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of marine insurance. The WMU and AHHIC recognize their mutual interest in the field of maritime and oceans, development and expertise and protection of the marine environment. A marine insurance postgraduate diploma, professional development courses, and marine insurance related events were among the areas of agreement between the WMU and AHHIC.

Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, WMU President, hailed the signing of the MoU: “It is an honor for me being here to sign the first MoU of its kind in the field of marine insurance with American Hellenic Hull, subsidiary of the American P&I Club. I am very delighted that we will support each other in terms of education. The WMU is founded by the IMO, with the mandate as an education, research and capacity-building institution for the Maritime and Oceans community. It is very important for us to cooperate with American Hellenic Hull supporting our students to enhance their knowledge in the field of marine insurance. By supporting WMU, AHHIC also supports the IMO in the effective implementation of regulations and compliance in areas of importance.  International conventions must not only be signed and ratified, they must also be effectively implemented in law and in practice. This will ensure that the maritime industry will continue to be the engine to secure and drive the world economy, with 80% of world trade being carried by sea”.

Ms. Natasa Pilides, Shipping Deputy Minister of the Republic of Cyprus underlined: “It is great honour to have you all here special thanks to your participation at the Maritime Cyprus 2019 Conference and Exhibition. We appreciate that American Hellenic Hull is a really important company within the Cyprus maritime cluster. We wish to thank AHHIC for its support of Maritime Cyprus 2019 as a gold sponsor, and its initiative to sign this MoU, within its framework. The Shipping Deputy Ministry places great focus on education and wishes to create an environment in which young executives are nurtured and developed professionally in such a way as to expand the expertise available within our maritime cluster. The MoU signed today will contribute in this direction and we are looking forward to its implementation”.

Mr. Philippos Philis, President of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, addressed the Signing Ceremony stating at the same time the important role of education and expertise to the young talent who lead the future of shipping.

Mr. Ilias Tsakiris, CEO of American Hellenic Hull Insurance Company, stated: “AHHIC is striving to promote Cyprus as a world center not only for shipping, but also for education and excellence. In cooperation with the American P&I Club, American Hellenic Hull, would like to extend that this cooperation with the World Maritime University will provide a curriculum to young executives that will be the next decision makers in our industry. We wish to facilitate their education as part of the Cypriot Maritime Cluster. Furthermore, we would like to invite WMU to increase its presence in Cyprus, bearing in mind Cyprus’ tradition as a maritime nation. The Minister and the Government are trying to enhance education within the maritime cluster and we wish that the WMU will endorse their efforts for a better global maritime community”.

The MOU shall have a duration of five (5) years:

AHHIC’s outstanding performance continues

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“Combined ratio in January 2020 stood at 88.6%”

American Hellenic Hull Insurance Company (AHHIC) is continuing its remarkable growth. January 2020 was the third best month in AHHIC’s history in terms of gross earned premium. From May 2019 onwards, the monthly results have consistently been among the best since the company’s inception.

AHHIC’s insured fleet stood at 2,636 vessels, a year-on-year increase of 16%. Furthermore, the underwriting profit for the three-month period November 2019 to January 2020 jumped to 45%, not including an additional 14% benefit from release of technical provisions at end of year. The gross loss ratio fell to 48.9% in January and the combined ratio decreased to 88.6%.

During January, the company’s assets increased by 6%. Current assets are 4.85 times current liabilities and represent 3.4 times the total amount of open claims, including all technical reserves.  Of AHHIC’s total liabilities, 52% is covered with cash and short- to medium-term investments in US Treasury bills.

“The new year begins with a record-breaking January in terms premium. As we charge full steam ahead into the new decade, we stand ready to face a wide range of challenges in the marine insurance industry. AHHIC’s upward trend will continue and our vision is to turn the fastest growing hull and machinery insurance company into the market’s global leader”, stated Mr. Ilias Tsakiris, CEO of AHHIC.

American Hellenic Hull represents the fastest-growing, dynamic force in marine insurance markets across the world aiming to provide more commitment, reassurance, consistency, proactivity and adaptability.

Circular_AHHIC_Its outstanding performance continues

AHHIC: Ambassador of the UN Agenda at the Maritime Cyprus 2019

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The Maritime Cyprus 2019 Conference and Exhibition, under the theme “Sea Change” held from 06-09 October 2019, celebrated its 30th anniversary since it was first held in 1989.

American Hellenic Hull was the official ambassador of the UNEP FI – Principles for Sustainable Insurance, during the Maritime Cyprus 2019 Conference and Exhibition.

Endorsed by the UN Secretary-General and insurance industry CEOs, the Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI) serve as a global framework for the insurance industry to address ESG risks and opportunities—and a global initiative to strengthen the insurance industry’s contribution as risk managers, insurers and investors to building resilient, inclusive and sustainable communities and economies.

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues—or sustainability issues—pose a shared risk to insurers, communities, businesses, cities, government and society at large, providing a strong incentive for innovation and collaboration. Examples of sustainability issues relevant to the marine insurance industry include climate change, ecosystem degradation, pollution, illegal fishing, negative impacts on heritage sites, human rights violations, poor health and safety, lack of transparency, and corruption.

The PSI is the largest collaborative initiative between the UN and the insurance industry. Today, 140 organisations worldwide have adopted the four Principles for Sustainable Insurance, including insurers representing more than 25% of world premium volume and USD 14 trillion in assets under management.

“American Hellenic Hull is the exclusive Cypriot marine insurance company to sign the United Nations agenda and support the UNEP FI Principles for Sustainable Insurance, prioritizing at the same time the Sustainable Development Goals at all levels of the company activity. For the first time since its inception, the Maritime Cyprus Conference and Exhibition, endorses the United Nations agenda, upgrading at the same time the marine insurance services within the Cyprus Maritime Cluster. We firmly support the endeavor of the Deputy Shipping Ministry to enhance Cyprus’ role as an advanced, proactive, competitive maritime nation both in Europe and Internationally”, stated Mr. Tsakiris.

 

 

 

 

Cyprus Shipmanagement Round Table Debate

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Ship Management International’s Round Table and Cyprus Special Report

American Hellenic Hull Insurance Co.’s Chief Executive Ilias Tsakiris added his insight to a Round Table debate organized by Ship Management International magazine for the Cyprus Special Report published in its July/August issue.

The agenda focused on issues arising from the IMO 2020 low-sulphur regulations, digitalization and cyber risks, the Cyprus maritime cluster and the industry’s cooperation with the Deputy Ministry of Shipping.

With regards to IMO 2020, Mr. Tsakiris said that the new regulation is becoming a growing concern for underwriters. “We will have the question of unseaworthiness, and underwriters will rely much more on the classification societies, plus introducing and installing this type of technology will increase the insured values making the risk on the ship more expensive, so there will be more money coming out of the owners pockets by way of premium”, he told the Roundtable. Furthermore, in terms of cyber risks, he stressed that digitalization in shipping creates a new area of risk.

Mr. Tsakiris also considered that Cyprus may profit from developments connected with Brexit, due to the country’s favourable tax and regulatory environment. “I think we will see more underwriters coming in”, he said. Looking ahead to the Maritime Cyprus Conference 2019, Mr. Tsakiris stressed that all the major insurance brokers will be coming to the conference. “I think this year’s will be an even bigger success than previously,” he concluded.

Read More: Cyprus round table

AHHIC supports the UNEP’s Finance Initiative Principles for Sustainable Insurance

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American Hellenic Hull Insurance Company is among the leading signatory companies to the Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI) and a member of the global community of banks, insurers and investors of UN Environment Finance Initiative (UNEP FI).

Endorsed by the UN Secretary-General and insurance industry CEOs, the Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI) serve as a global framework for the insurance industry to address environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks and opportunities—and a global initiative to strengthen the insurance industry’s contribution as risk managers, insurers and investors to building resilient, inclusive and sustainable communities and economies.

As a marine insurer, American Hellenic Hull Insurance Company provides hull and machinery services to the international shipping industry that is currently called upon to adapt to a wide range of challenges. Not least among these are new requirements deriving from the International Maritime Organization’s regulations aimed at reducing industry’s impact in the environment and new risks related to sustainability.

“At American Hellenic Hull, we fully support the UNEP FI Principles for Sustainable Insurance, aiming to incorporate the social, environmental and business emerging issues into our sustainable and holistic approach, while working together with the insurance industry and the United Nations. In addition, we acknowledge that signing the PSI is a concrete example of sustainability leadership and commitment and we stand ready to adopt all four of the Principles for Sustainable Insurance.

Since inception, our company has sought to be a leader within our sector in offering greater transparency, responsiveness to clients, greater reliability and more awareness of risk to the shipping market. We are prioritizing Sustainable Development Goals at all levels of company activity. Safety, security and sustainability are at the heart of our underwriting and claims processes.” stated Mr. Ilias Tsakiris, CEO of AHHIC, to the Board Members of the PSI initiative.

AHHIC believes in being proactive to achieve a more sustainable future. This is particularly important in the marine insurance sector, given the essential role of insurance and the pivotal role that maritime transport plays in global sustainability.

 

 

 

 

 

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