Pen Underwriting is continuing its investment in the marine sector with the recent appointment of Chris Curran as Underwriting Consultant to Freeboard Maritime.
This move follows Pen's acquisition of five specialist marine managing general agents (MGAs) last month, solidifying its position in the market.
Established in June 2022, Freeboard specializes in cargo liability and marine professional indemnity (PI). By joining forces with Pen and the other acquired MGAs Vessel Protect, Trafalgar Marine Trades, BMM Ports & Terminals, and Fortify Marine, Freeboard aims to bring internationally focused underwriting capabilities to marine trades, including liability, ports and terminals, marine war risks, kidnap and ransom, brown water, and hull and machinery.
With over 35 years of underwriting experience, Curran brings extensive technical expertise and a network of industry relationships to Freeboard and Pen.
He has a successful track record as a senior underwriter at Markel International, where he specialised in marine and offshore energy sectors, underwriting PI, errors and omissions risks, and cargo liability for freight forwarding and logistics companies.
Paul Hartley, co-MD of Marine at Pen Underwriting, commented on the move and said: "It's fantastic to have a specialist underwriter of Chris' calibre and capability joining us at arguably our most exciting juncture."
Hartley added that Curran's expertise will be invaluable in expanding Pen's marine offering and ensuring sustainable growth.
Commenting on his appointment, Curran said: "Having the freedom, support, and capacity to tailor insurance policies to meet the specific needs of clients is the challenge every good underwriter seeks."
Curran praised Freeboard Maritime's commitment to providing exceptional service and its experienced underwriting team. He said he looks forward to working with Tom Batterbury, Josh Melville, and the rest of the Freeboard team.
