Marine

Senior-led service culture. Global reach and real choice for vessels, cargo, and contracts.

Many ships

Specialized marine insurance and risk management programs to protect your vessels, cargo, and offshore assets

Marine operations are interconnected. Their insurance often is not. Each stage of the journey brings different parties and contracts that shift responsibility. Howden is built to navigate this complexity

Marine operations are defined by constant movement and handoffs. Decisions are made in real time as routes and conditions change. At the same time, contractual obligations determine how responsibility is shared, often in ways that are difficult to revisit once work is underway.

In this environment, small breakdowns can have serious consequences. Delays, disputes, or failures between parties can quickly impact delivery and costs, especially when multiple stakeholders are involved across locations.

Maintaining coordination across global routes is critical to keeping goods moving and commitments on track. Marine insurance is expected to keep pace with this level of coordination. In practice, it’ is often arranged separately from the way shipments are planned and executed, creating gaps in coverage.
 

Experienced marine specialists driving better business outcomes

We know that marine risk is rarely black-and-white. A delay or loss can quickly involve multiple parties, each with their own view of what was agreed and who is liable. Outcomes are driven by judgment, understanding, and advocacy

That’s when experience counts. Howden marine brokerage teams are led by senior staff with decades of experience navigating the most complex marine risk exposures. That same team stays engaged throughout the process, from planning to claims. Decisions are made by the people closest to the risk, leveraging our long-standing relationships with industry-leading carriers, adjusters, and counsel. 

Our U.S. specialists work in partnership with our global teams to develop risk management and insurance solutions tailored to your unique risk profile, perfectly suited to your operational realities and strategic goals.

Marine insurance solutions we offer

  • Barge being pushed under a bridge

    Hull and machinery insurance

    Coverage for physical damage to vessels, machinery, and onboard equipment, including marine hull insurance.

  • Container ships in port

    Protection & indemnity

    Coverage for liabilities resulting from the operation of a scheduled vessel including exposure to crew.

  • Top down cargo ship in ocean

    Marine cargo & stock throughput insurance

    Protects goods in transit and storage, including damage and loss across shipping and logistics networks.

  • Top down view of cargo ship

    Vessel pullution coverage

    Critical protection for spills emanating from a scheduled vessel.

  • Towboat with barge in river

    Marine liability insurance

    Protection for maritime businesses and boat owners against third-party claims for bodily injury, property damage, and environmental pollution.

  • Rear of a large ship in a dry dock

    Bulder's risk insurance

    Coverage designed to protect your investment in vessels under construction as well as marine projects.

Other coverages offered include:

  • Charterer’s Liability
  • Landing Owner’s Liability
  • Maritime employers' liability (Jones Act)
  • Ship Repairer’s Liability
  • Terminal Operator’s Liability
  • United States Longshore & Harbor (USL&H) coverage 
  • Workers compensation insurance 
  • Maritime employers' liability (Jones Act)

  • Other commercial lines for marine operators including CGL, auto, environmental, cyber, etc.

     

Why choose us? The Howden Difference

Howden Marine is built on experience—shaped by real placements, real claims, and real outcomes. Our team takes a more active role in marine risk insurance programs. Here’s why that makes a difference.

Clients needing marine insurance are typically forced into a false choice. Between brokers who know marine but can't scale—and brokers who scale but don't truly understand marine. Specialization and service. Senior advice and outsourced execution. Advocacy and administration. Howden exists to eliminate that tradeoff.

We combine access to global marine insurers with local accountability, avoiding the disconnects common in larger broker models.

With strong market leverage, true independence in partner selection, and a commitment to round-the-clock service, we're setting a new standard for marine insurance and delivering long-term results for our growing client portfolio. 

Our programs are structured around vessels, cargo, and contracts, reflecting how responsibility is shared across the journey. This includes:

  • Cruise lines and passenger vessels 
  • Dedicated towers
  • Dredge operators 
  • Fishing vessel operators
  • Harbor service fleet operators
  • Line boat operators 
  • Marine contractors 
  • Marine transport companies 
  • On shore processing & plants
  • Shippers
  • Terminals 
  • Tug and barge managers and operators
  • Vessel repair & construction
  • Vessel supply / E&P support 

We build long-term client relationships measured in years, not renewals. That means your team leadership is involved at placement, renewal, and at first notice. 

Clients work directly with marine insurance brokers with deep experience in all facets of the marine industry from both operational and coverage standpoints, who remain engaged from program design through claims.

 

We believe effective claims management is central to delivering better outcomes. That is why we advocate for you at every stage of the claims process. 

From first notice to final resolution, claims are managed with direct involvement from senior brokers, who work closely with you and your account management team to keep things on course.

Ready to talk?

Connect with a Howden specialist to review your marine risk and insurance program. Meet our Marine risk and insurance team

  • Photo of Baxter Southern

    Baxter Southern

    Head of Marine

    Speak to our Marine Risk and Insurance team today

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