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AHHIC: Positive first quarter of 2020

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American Hellenic Hull Insurance Company Ltd (AHHIC) can report a positive first quarter of 2020 in terms of growth and operating performance.

  • A 206% year-on-year increase of underwriting profit margin and a loss ratio of 64% as AHHIC successfully implements its business continuity plan in response to the Covid-19 pandemic

In early March, AHHIC activated its business continuity plan in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Since then, all company activities have been conducted off-site, with staff working remotely. AHHIC’s utmost priorities are to protect the health and well-being of its employees, combined with maintaining undisrupted its clients’ interests.

At 31 March 2020, the insured fleet stood at 2,637 vessels, showing a year-on-year increase of 15%. At the same time, the company’s gross earned premium for the quarter was increased by 82%.

The underwriting result (earned premium net of reinsurance cost minus claims after reinsurance recoveries) for the three-month period showed a profit margin of 26.1% compared with 15.5% in the first quarter last year. In absolute values the underwriting profit jumped by 206.1% thanks to a significant increase of premium income and the reduction of the loss ratio to 64.4%. All the company’s key performance indicators were improved.

  • Nearly 50% of company’s assets held in bank accounts and bonds, liquidity ratio increase to 625% provides protection against Covid-19 effects

The company holds 46% of its total balance sheet assets in cash and bond investments. This equates to 1.43 times the company’s premium receivables and 1.38 times open claims (before deduction of reinsurers’ share). The key liquidity ratio (current assets to current liabilities) increased to 625% from 490% at the end of 2019 and from 389% at the end of the first quarter 2019. This means that current assets are sufficient to meet the company’s short-term liabilities by 6.25 times. The company’s cash flow has been significantly strengthened amidst the Covid-19 crisis.

  • Minimal expected impact on the company’s assets from the Covid-19 pandemic – AHHIC stands ready for any catastrophic event outbreak amidst the Coronavirus pandemic

According to stress tests currently carried out by the company, negative developments in global trade and transportation during the pandemic are not expected to affect AHHIC’s financial status or growth. Some vessels are likely to be laid-up in ports and anchorages worldwide due to the pandemic’s impact on trade and as a result navigation risks and hull and machinery casualties are likely to be diminished.

Under AHHIC’s business continuity and operations plan, which is based on a hybrid structure of remote and cloud servers, the pandemic does not pose any threat to the company’s ongoing preparedness to face even another catastrophic event.

AHHIC’s 2019 Sustainability Report

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As a marine insurer, American Hellenic Hull Insurance Company (AHHIC) 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 on the environment and new risks related to sustainability.

Since June 2019, American Hellenic Hull supports the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative, Principles for Sustainable Insurance (UNEPFI – PSI), being among the leading signatory companies of the initiative and a member of the global community of banks, investors and insurers of UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative.

As the exclusive marine insurance company to sign the United Nations agenda, American Hellenic Hull, adopts all four of the Principles for Sustainable Insurance, as mentioned in the company’s “2019 Sustainability Report” which provides an overview on the key facts and figures.

“Looking ahead, the coming decade is the decade of sustainability and as a maritime community we should all do our utmost to successfully confront the challenges involved”, commented Mr. Ilias Tsakiris, CEO of AHHIC.

See the 2019 AHHIC’s Sustainability Report: AHHIC_Progress Report 2019

 

AHHIC’s Business Continuity Plan in response

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Due to the ongoing spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19), we have activated our Business Continuity Plan in response.  The World Health Organization (WHO) has assessed Covid–19 as a pandemic and this underlines the need for all parts of the value chain to react in a responsible way to address the risks and consequences of this contagious disease.

As marine underwriters, we commit ourselves to closely monitor and assess the risks and diminish high-risk behavior.

The health and wellbeing of our employees is our utmost priority. Therefore, all functions of Hellenic Hull Management and American Hellenic Hull Insurance Company Ltd with immediate effect will be conducted off-site, operating with a remote workforce.

Our management and employees all share the same dedication and loyalty, as well as the readiness to embrace innovation and respond to challenges.

They, together with our state-of-the-art information technology, enable us prevent disruptions to our business and to continue to securely provide premium, bespoke services to our clients.

As there is currently no vaccine to prevent Covid-19 infection, we will continue to remind our employees of the recommendations of public health authorities for everyday actions to avoid getting ill and help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases.

We will continuously monitor our employees to identify any cases requiring testing or treatment and we are closely monitoring the WHO and local health authorities for updates.

Our goal is that through being prepared and working together we can minimize the impact of Covid-19 on our staff, our clients and the public.

Reinventing the maritime business for a sustainable future

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Sustainability is not different than reinventing the wheel, as we are asked to do the same things in a different way. So, we need to re-use, re-evaluate, re-assess the impact, re-act in a responsible way. However, how responsible are we at the end of the day?

How committed are we to meet the needs of the present without comprising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs?

In other words, how do we embrace sustainability in economy, society, environment and Re-jig our maritime industries to align them with these goals?

The International Maritime Organization (IMO), as part of the United Nations (UN) family has adopted the Sustainability Strategy and is actively working towards the 2030 target. The IMO has made the World Maritime theme for 2020 “Sustainable shipping for a sustainable planet“.

Shipping plays a pivotal role in the global economy as 90% of world trade is carried by sea. We cannot consider a sustainable future without a sustainable maritime industry.

Supporting the maritime adventure as a whole is a wider maritime cluster in which every participant, from shipowners to marine insurers, has responsibility for its continuity.

All decisions made by UN bodies affect member states, but the IMO is the only organization that through its guidelines and regulations has a direct effect on the shipping industry.

We all embrace the sustainability.  However, the IMO should seek closer dialogue with the global shipping community, as regulations should be decided and implemented on a more realistic basis aiming to protect the marine environment and contribute to the battle against climate change.

How do the IMO’s regulations and guidelines affect the marine insurance industry?

Low Sulphur Cap Limit – IMO 2020

IMO 2020 is old news for the sustainable planning of the IMO, but uncharted waters for the marine insurance industry.

We have seen many claims arising out of the IMO 2020, which are related to scrubbers and non-compliant fuels.

Already two months since IMO 2020 came into force and we do face a wide variety of problems in terms of delays in bunkering and cases of possible engine damages due to low quality of compliant fuel.

The marine insurance industry relies on Classification Societies. What happens if the vessel breaches its warranty due to non-compliance with Low Sulphur Fossil Oil fuels? Most probably the shipowners in its effort to comply will be rendered uninsured.

Reduction of Green House Gas Emissions by 50% by 2050

The next big challenge for the shipping industry is halving GHG emissions by 2050.

Until now, we have no clear path as to how this will be achieved. LNG technology can make a major contribution to the energy system of the future and to play a key role in seaborne transportation, but still this is not enough.

We may agree to introduce alternatives to fossil fuels, such as biofuels, biogas and other renewables such as electricity, as well as

cold-ironing.

As marine insurers, however, we are not able to insure vessels using fuels that have not been tested. We do not insure certainties. Engine damages arising from non-tested fuels are risks that we cannot undertake.

Another question is: How responsible and sustainable shall we be if we choose to use biofuels that consume more energy to produce than the fossil fuels they will replace? Who are we to decide to sacrifice sustainable practices ashore in the cause of sustainability at sea?

A truly sustainable culture is based on a holistic approach spanning environment, society and economy.

We believe in a strategic Re-approach where all activities in the insurance value chain, including interactions with stakeholders, are carried out in a responsible and forward-looking way by identifying, assessing, managing and monitoring risks and opportunities, associated with environmental, social and governance issues.

It is time for action

Building a resilient future for all should not only be focused on implementation of regulations developed by international or national organizations.

We need to fully embrace sustainability and this will occur only if all stakeholders related to the maritime adventure – the Organizations and Regulators, the shipping industry, and the services related to the maritime industry such as the marine insurance community – all sit at the same table and enhance the dialogue that will lead to regulations, targets and best practices that can actually be implemented by the industry.

Looking ahead, the coming decade is the decade of sustainability and as a maritime community we should all do our utmost to successfully confront the challenges involved.

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:

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.

Read more: The PSI and the marine insurance industry (October 2019)

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.

Ilias Tsakiris in “The Investor Greece 2019”

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American Hellenic Hull and its Chief Executive Ilias Tsakiris are featured in The Investor Greece 2019, a special edition published by The Investor, the leading business guide.

“We are the fastest growing hull and machinery insurance company in the world,” Mr Tsakiris told The Investor in an interview, describing some of the company’s goals and milestones achieved since the launch of the new insurer in 2016.

The company’s target “is to become an A-rated leading marine underwriter which will help us towards our goals of providing insurance to over 10,000 vessels and generating income of more than €100 million in a few years’ time”, he stated.

Readers of The Investor are informed of AHHIC’s background as a joint venture with the American P&I Club and its status as the first marine insurance company licensed in Cyprus under the requirements of the Solvency II directive.

“We are operating from scratch combining the best of the American, Greek and Cypriot approaches,” said Mr Tsakiris. “The company was an immediate success and has been accepted worldwide. Today, we offer insurance to nearly 2,500 vessels.”

Discussing the reasons for the company’s impressive start, Mr. Tsakiris emphasized its different approach as a marine hull insurer and management’s background within the shipping industry.

“Insurance is a commodity and we differentiate ourselves by a bespoke approach based on trust with our clients,” he told the magazine. “Personally, I started as a seafarer serving on board ships from the age of 17. We speak exactly the same language as our clients, we have a strong knowledge of shipping and we understand shipowners.”

According to Mr Tsakiris, AHHIC has also invested heavily in technology from the beginning, enabling it to grow quickly while offering the same quality of service. It emphasizes speed of response, from providing quotations within 24 hours to settling claims faster than the industry average.

The company’s centers of operation are in Cyprus and Greece and it is steadily expanding internationally. “The fact that the company is based in Limassol, Cyprus, with an affiliated office in Piraeus, among other locations, is a great competitive advantage as AHHIC can offer a global footprint while having a privileged understanding of the local market,” Mr. Tsakiris said.

“We are the only real marine underwriter in the region and I hope we can have more players based locally in the future.” Mr. Tsakiris underlined his belief that Greece as a major shipping nation could establish itself as a leader in maritime services as well, including playing a more important role in the marine insurance sector.

“We have always believed in the potential of the Greek shipping sector. Even though Greek shipowners own 20% of the world’s shipping capacity, Greece and Cyprus didn’t have a single local insurance provider specialized in this sector”, he pointed out.

Read More: Ilias Tsakiris in “The Investor Greece 2019”