An Assured managed a fleet of river cruise vessels operating within Central Europe. As part of his cover the vessels were insured with Transmarine for net loss of earnings following disruption to trade caused by extraordinary weather conditions. During the summer of 2002 weather conditions caused many rivers in Central Europe to rise to dangerous levels, resulting in widespread flooding…

An Assured operated cruise vessels in the Mediterranean and was insured with Transmarine for net loss of earnings. The Assured had acquired a second-hand vessel, which had been extensively modified and refitted and was due to enter service. Immediately prior to commencing her first cruise for the Assured, a major fire occurred affecting the vessel's main power generation plant. This…

An insured vessel had laid by at an anchorage in order to embark some service engineers. Upon departure from the roads she touched bottom. The vessel was able to continue her voyage to her final destination. Sometime later internal damage to the double bottom tanks was found and subsequently an inspection in dry-dock revealed damage to virtually the whole length…

An Assured operated a general cargo ‘coaster’ vessel trading in Northern Europe. Whilst on passage the master reported problems with the steering gear. After the vessel had discharged her cargo she was ordered to proceed to dry-dock for inspection and repairs. The inspection revealed damage to the vessel’s bottom in way of the bow thrusters and forepeak and also in…

A large freight Ro/Ro ferry operating in Europe was manoeuvring to depart on a scheduled crossing when she struck the harbour wall, causing heavy damage to the starboard side of the vessel above and below the waterline. The vessel returned to the berth where temporary repairs were effected to enable her to sail to dry-dock for repairs. The vessel was…

An insured vessel was undergoing maintenance involving hot work in one of the double bottom tanks. An explosion occurred, causing considerable damage to the vessel; this was thought to be as a result of the build up of combustible gases inside one of the tanks. The actual source of the ignition was never determined but the negligence of the ship…

An Assured operated a tanker vessel fitted with specialist equipment to facilitate the loading of crude oil cargoes from a submerged turret buoy/tanker connection located near to the production platform of a deep sea oilfield. The vessel was engaged under a long-term contract to load oil from one particular installation. Whilst preparing to berth and link up, a breakdown occurred…

An Assured operated a regular service using Finnish flag vessels, with Finnish crews, between the Baltic States and Finland. The crew heard rumours of the operation becoming subject to a joint agreement with unknown parties in one of the Baltic States, with changes to crew manning agreements and other conditions. They decided to take strike action by refusing to take…

An Assured operated a regular liner service between Northern Europe and the Iberian Peninsula. There was a period during which the stevedores at Lisbon at various times were either on strike or operating an overtime ban. The Assured already had one vessel caught in Lisbon as a result of this action, causing a delay of some 6½ days, and had…