Protection & Indemnity (P&I) Clubs are mutual insurance associations that provide liability coverage to shipowners, operators, and charterers. Their primary role is to protect members against third-party risks that are not covered by standard marine insurance, such as crew injury, pollution, cargo loss, and collision liabilities.
The Role of P&I Clubs in Shipping
P&I Clubs are essential for the safe and efficient operation of the global shipping industry. Their main functions include:
- Providing insurance for third-party liabilities: Covering risks like crew injury, passenger claims, pollution, cargo loss, wreck removal, and fines.
- Supporting regulatory compliance: Helping shipowners meet international legal requirements (e.g., MARPOL, CLC).
- Offering loss prevention and risk management: Delivering training, bulletins, and expert advice to minimize incidents.
- Ensuring financial stability: Pooling resources among members to handle large claims and maintain industry confidence[1].
Review of Major P&I Clubs: Key Figures & Characteristics
Below is a review of the leading P&I Clubs, including their headquarters, entered tonnage, number of ships, and notable features. Figures are based on the latest available data for 2024–2025[2][3][4].
1. Gard P&I Club
- Headquarters: Arendal, Norway
- Entered Tonnage: ~206 million GT (19% of global total)
- Number of Ships: ~6,000
- Key Features: Largest P&I club by tonnage and premium income. Offers comprehensive P&I, Hull & Machinery, and FD&D cover. Renowned for global claims handling, strong legal support, and innovative risk management services.
2. NorthStandard (North + Standard Club)
- Headquarters: London & Newcastle, UK
- Entered Tonnage: ~130 million GT (12% of global total)
- Number of Ships: ~4,200
- Key Features: Formed by the merger of North of England and Standard Club. Strong global presence, robust financials, and a focus on loss prevention and member support.
3. Britannia P&I Club
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Entered Tonnage: ~110 million GT (10% of global total)
- Number of Ships: ~2,500
- Key Features: One of the oldest clubs, known for financial strength, capital returns to members, and a conservative underwriting approach.
4. UK P&I Club
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Entered Tonnage: ~100 million GT
- Number of Ships: ~2,000
- Key Features: Covers over 17% of the world’s ocean-going fleet. Strong in loss prevention, regulatory compliance, and global claims support.
5. Japan P&I Club
- Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
- Entered Tonnage: ~90 million GT
- Number of Ships: ~2,000
- Key Features: Largest Asian P&I club, serving Japanese and international fleets. Known for expertise in handling pollution and environmental claims.
6. Skuld
- Headquarters: Oslo, Norway
- Entered Tonnage: ~90 million GT
- Number of Ships: ~2,000
- Key Features: Innovative, with a strong focus on service and digitalization. Offers a wide range of marine insurance products.
7. Steamship Mutual
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Entered Tonnage: ~80 million GT
- Number of Ships: ~1,800
- Key Features: Financially stable, responsive claims service, and a global network.
8. West of England
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Entered Tonnage: ~75 million GT
- Number of Ships: ~1,600
- Key Features: Long-standing club with a broad international membership.
9. Swedish Club
- Headquarters: Gothenburg, Sweden
- Entered Tonnage: ~55 million GT
- Number of Ships: ~1,300
- Key Features: Strong in Northern Europe, offers P&I and Hull & Machinery cover.
10. The American Club
- Headquarters: New York, USA
- Entered Tonnage: ~20 million GT
- Number of Ships: ~800
- Key Features: Only US-domiciled club, focusing on North American and international members.
11. Shipowners’ Club
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Entered Tonnage: ~25 million GT
- Number of Ships: ~7,000 (mainly smaller vessels)
- Key Features: Specializes in smaller craft and non-ocean-going vessels.
12. London P&I Club
- Headquarters: London, UK
- Entered Tonnage: ~45 million GT
- Number of Ships: ~1,000
- Key Features: One of the oldest clubs, with a broad international reach.
Top 5 P&I Clubs by Gross Tonnage (GT) and Number of Ships
| Rank | Club Name | Entered Tonnage (GT) | Number of Ships |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gard | ~206 million | ~6,000 |
| 2 | NorthStandard | ~130 million | ~4,200 |
| 3 | Britannia | ~110 million | ~2,500 |
| 4 | UK P&I Club | ~100 million | ~2,000 |
| 5 | Japan P&I Club | ~90 million | ~2,000 |
Figures are approximate and based on the latest available data for 2024–2025[2][3][4].
Conclusion
P&I Clubs are the cornerstone of maritime risk management, providing essential protection for shipowners and operators worldwide. Their mutual structure, global reach, and expertise ensure that the shipping industry can navigate complex risks and regulatory challenges with confidence.
References
[1] The Importance of P & I club in shipping – Marine Insight
[2] Largest International Groups of P&I Clubs in 2025
[3] Top 12 Maritime Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Clubs
[4] Top 13 P&I Clubs Review. Which One Would You Choose?
The Maritime-Hub Editorial Team
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Maritime-Hub. Readers are advised to research this information before making decisions based on it.
