International P&I insurer continues positive trend into 2015
NEW YORK, JUNE 18, 2015: The American Club reported solid progress during 2014 at the annual meeting of its members held in New York today. Despite a challenging economic climate, the Club’s business had developed favorably, and 2015 had started on a positive note.
Joe Hughes, Chairman and CEO of the American Club’s managers, Shipowners Claims Bureau, Inc.
Tonnage and revenue grew strongly at the outset of 2014, but faded slightly later in the year as freight markets struggled. However, premium pricing remained firm, despite the enduring effect of “churn” as older, higher-rated vessels continued to be replaced by younger, lower-rated ships.
Claims for the Club’s own account had developed at a moderate pace during 2014, extending the favorable trend of recent years. International Group pool claims were also showing a benign emergence at year-end.
Net premiums earned during 2014 were about 5% higher than the figure for the previous year, although total income was down slightly, to $102.3 million, owing to a lower realized investment gain. Incurred losses, at $65.9 million, were marginally higher than the $65.1 million recorded for the previous year.
After-tax comprehensive income for the year was $1.3 million, generating an increase in total members’ equity to $58.6 million as of December 31, 2014, 1% higher than the figure a year earlier. Statutory surplus grew to $64.8 million at year-end, compared with $63.6 million for 2013.
The Club’s investment earnings provided a solid contribution to its overall results. Its fixed income portfolio performed well during 2014 so that, despite lower stock market returns, an overall gain of just under 4% was achieved, bettering relevant benchmarks.
The trends noted in 2014 were asserting themselves with growing vigor into 2015. As of March 31, 2015, the Club’s statutory surplus had increased by 9% to $71 million, while its GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) free reserves were up 11% to $65 million. Statutory free reserves per ton were approximately $4.65 at year-end 2014. A further increase, to $5.03, was recorded by the end of the first quarter this year.
Members were also told that the 2012 policy year was being closed as originally budgeted. The small deficit for the year of just over $3 million would be subvented by the Club’s contingency fund which stood at a record figure of nearly $90 million as of March 31, 2015.
Eagle Ocean Marine (EOM), the American Club’s fixed premium facility, which focuses on the operators of smaller vessels in local and regional trades, was also performing well, making a strong contribution to overall results. EOM continued to expand its market footprint during 2014, particularly in Asia. EOM’s combined ratio to date was less than 70%, testimony to its prudent approach to risk selection. This holds the promise of growing success over the years ahead.
In assessing the performance, the Club’s Chairman, Arnold Witte of Donjon Marine Co., Inc., said: “2014 was a difficult year, not least for the shipping community itself. Nevertheless, the American Club made excellent progress. This is being sustained into 2015.”
He continued: “Many challenges lie ahead. The slump in the dry bulk markets continues to cause concern. It is to be hoped that freight rates will rise decently, at least over the medium term, as the global economy improves. The Board remains optimistic about the future and the Club will remain committed to an exceptional level of solidarity with its members.”
Joe Hughes, Chairman and CEO of the American Club’s managers, Shipowners Claims Bureau, Inc., added: “Notwithstanding a difficult business environment, 2014 was a good year. Claims exposures continued to develop favorably, premium pricing stayed firm and investments performed well. In addition EOM saw its profits rise, the Club’s surpluses increased and free reserves per ton strengthened considerably. Our loss prevention and ERM (Enterprise Risk Management) initiatives advanced energetically and our service capabilities were expanded. These positive trends have continued into 2015. It is especially encouraging to see a further increase in the Club’s surplus during the first quarter.”
Mr. Hughes concluded: “The Club’s recent progress will provide a firm foundation for the further development of our agenda over the years ahead. Its business plan anticipates a range of exciting opportunities to expand its outreach further throughout the global maritime community. In this, as in everything else it does, the American Club stands ready to embrace the challenges of a changing world and growing competitive pressures.”
Summary of Annual Results – 2014 Financial Year
- Net premium income rises by 5% to $94.2 million
- Total income down marginally to $102.3 million
- Losses almost static at $65.9 million
- After tax comprehensive income $1.3 million
- Members’ equity at $58.6 million
- Statutory surplus up 2% at $64.8 million
Other Highlights:
- Statutory surplus up 9% to $71 million as of end Q1 2015
- 2015 year-to-date retained claims developing modestly
- Average 5 year pure loss ratio of business renewed at February 20, 2015 improves to 53% compared with 57% a year earlier
- 2012 yet another policy year being closed as originally budgeted
- Eagle Ocean Marine grows market footprint with solid profitability
ENDS
Notes to Editors
The American Club
American Steamship Owners Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association, Inc. (the American Club) was established in New York in 1917. It is the only mutual Protection and Indemnity Club domiciled in the entire Americas and its headquarters are in New York, USA.
The American Club has been successful in recent years in building on its US heritage to create a truly international insurer with a global reach second-to-none in the industry. Day to day management of the American Club is provided by Shipowners Claims Bureau, Inc. also headquartered in New York.
The Club is able to provide local service for its members across all time zones, communicating in eleven languages, and has subsidiary offices located in London, Piraeus, Hong Kong and Shanghai, plus a worldwide network of correspondents.
The Club is a member of the International Group of P&I Clubs, a collective of thirteen mutuals which together provide Protection and Indemnity insurance for some 90% of all world shipping.
For more information, please visit the Club’s website http://www.american-club.com/
The full Annual Report 2014 for the American Club can be accessed on its website – http://www.american-club.com/page/annual-report
P&I Insurance
Protection and Indemnity insurance (commonly referred to as “P&I”) provides cover to shipowners and charterers against third-party liabilities encountered in their commercial operations; typical exposures include damage to cargo, pollution, death/injury or illness of passengers or crew or damage to docks and other installations.
Running in parallel with a ship’s hull and machinery cover, traditional P&I cover distinguishes itself from usual forms of marine insurance by being based on the not-for-profit principle of mutuality where Members of the Club are both the insurers and the assureds.