London market worried about marine claims

Serious marine hull claims for 2000 are likely to show an upward trend when the annual statistics become available soon. Insurers are particularly concerned about the level of claims emanating from machinery damage and engine room fires. They probably account for around 50% of our total claims, said Lloyds underwriter Peter Chrismas of Wren Marine. This view is shared by the Salvage Association, the marine casualty surveying organisation.