The national Commercial Boat Operators Association has been working with The Insurance Partnership and specialist shipping law firm Myton Law, both based in Hull, to develop a dedicated insurance scheme and standard conditions of carriage for its members.
The UK’s waterways carried 41.4m tonnes in 2009 (latest DfT statistics), including tonnages by ship to inland ports. Manchester’s Tyndall Centre for Climate Change has said that moving freight by water is more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly per tonne per mile, with barges producing only 25 per cent of the carbon gases that lorries do. The CBOA reports that fuel accounts for about 20 per cent of barge operating costs, compared with 40 per cent for lorries (according to the Freight Transport Association).
The CBOA represents the UK’s major inland waterways operators, including narrow boat, barge, and small sea going vessel owners. Its members are active in the four main rivers/estuaries of the Thames, Humber, Mersey and Severn. The CBOA has nearly 100 members, including associates.
Work undertaken for the CBOA by The Insurance Partnership and Myton Law is aimed at ensuring members’ insurance provision and conditions of carriage are up to date and fit for purpose as the industry targets further business growth from companies considering freight carriage on our waterways in order to meet environmental goals.
Peter Hugman, chairman of the CBOA, said, “We are confident this comprehensive approach to insurance and management of contractual obligations will provide greater clarity and peace of mind for both our members and their customers. The Insurance Partnership’s expertise in insurance and the experience of Myton Law in legal transportation matters have been of considerable value in this review.”
Paul Buckle of The Insurance Partnership said, “The CBOA is an association with nationwide recognition and we are delighted to be able to provide a bespoke insurance package for its members.”
Myton Law’s John Habergham added, “Based on up to date law and, in particular, international conditions for the carriage of goods by sea, the new standard Conditions of Carriage will help to protect both CBOA members’ and cargo owners’ interests by establishing a fair balance between each of their responsibilities.”
The Insurance Partnership and Myton Law have been working with the CBOA for the last year to arrive at the new insurance provision and conditions, which have now been adopted by the CBOA.
The Commercial Boat Operators Association is a trade association which furthers its members’ interests by publicising and promoting the development of freight traffic on the inland and estuarial waters of this country.
The Insurance Partnership controls gross written premiums in excess of £50 million per annum, £100 million funds under management and employs in excess of 180 people across the Group over six offices throughout the UK. TIP provides a wide range of services which include; insurance broking, health insurance, health & safety services, financial services and commercial finance.
Myton Law provides legal advice to regional, national and international exporters/importers, ship owners, port operators, logistics companies, insurers and insurance brokers.
The Commercial Boat Owner’s Association
The Insurance Partnership
Myton Law
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