The London Joint Hull Committee is to hold a seminar in Greece later this year to debate contemporary issues relevant to shipowners and insurers.
This is a departure from custom as in recent years the Lloyd's Underwriters Association (LUA) has hosted a reception at the Piraeus Yacht Club during the week of the Posidonia exhibition.
Instead, this year the Lloyd's Market Association and the International Underwriting Association of London (IUA), under the banner of the London Joint Hull Committee, have teamed up to host the seminar which will take place in October or November.
The organisations said this departure from custom reflects a feeling by London hull underwriters that a dedicated seminar is a more effective and worthwhile deployment of resources at what is a difficult time for the international marine industries.
Chairman of the committee Simon Beale commented: "The decision to forgo the traditional LUA reception this year was not taken lightly. The London market is committed to the Greek shipping industry, but in these difficult times for both underwriters and their clients it is felt inappropriate to hold a social function during the week of Posidonia.
"However, holding a seminar for the Greek shipping community later in the year reflects a desire to underline that commitment in what is considered to be a more appropriate and effective way."
