IUMI in Singapore and Malaysia
In April, IUMI Secretary General Lars Lange participated in Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) where he spoke on a panel discussion with fellow marine insurance experts to discuss the current geopolitical volatility and how marine insurers continue to underpin global supply chains. The visit was also an opportunity for bilateral exchanges with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
Lars then continued on to Malaysia to meet with IUMI members from PIAM, our Malaysian member association. The group discussed IUMI’s ongoing work and initiatives and also key priorities for both organisations.
IUMI Asia Forum 2026 in Shanghai
The IUMI Asia Forum hosted for the second time in the vibrant city of Shanghai took place on 27-28 May 2026. With more than 330 participants from China and the APAC region, the event was a great success. Delegates had an opportunity to learn from experts who presented on marine insurance market trends, EV fire safety innovations, the role of marine insurers in times of war and more. Two panel discussions examined green and smart shipbuilding; and opportunities and challenges for foreign marine insurers in China.
The programme was complemented by a networking event with a stunning view of the Shanghai skyline and a visit to the Waigaoqiao Shipyard where China’s second cruise ship was moored having just concluded her sea trials.
The Asia Forum was preceded by a meeting of IUMI’s Executive Committee which was generously hosted by China Merchant in their historic Shanghai office. Our Executive Committee members were not only treated to a traditional tea ceremony but also learnt about China Merchant’s 154 years’ heritage.
To conclude a very special week, our Executive Committee met with the Mayor of Shanghai to discuss the role of marine insurance in the region and beyond. For those who would like a glimpse of the meeting, Kanka News published this clip about the exchange: https://lnkd.in/dqZvGn68
Thank you to our generous hosts and members who put in many hours of hard work and preparations to make this such a memorable event!
The presentations are available to members at https://iumi.com/event/asia-forum/asia-forum-shanghai-2026/
41st Marine Forum in Kievits Kroon, South Africa
The Marine Forum in South Africa remains a key annual event for marine insurance professionals doing business in South Africa and across the region. Now in its 41st year, the forum featured a series of technical presentations covering a range of topical issues from a cargo insurance perspective. IUMI Secretary General Lars Lange also provided an update on IUMI’s ongoing work, including developments in marine insurance statistics, advocacy and lobbying efforts at the IMO, as well as initiatives in education and training. Beyond the conference programme, the event once again stood out for its unique atmosphere, with this year’s “Marine Insurance Circus” theme adding a special dimension to the conference.
Exchange with GIAJ and planning for IUMI 2027 Yokohama
In just a little over a year, the General Insurance Association of Japan (GIAJ) will once again host the IUMI annual conference. This time, GIAJ has decided to invite the global marine insurance community to Yokohama. Lars Lange, IUMI Secretary General, met with a group of GIAJ members for an exchange about IUMI’s current agenda and to learn about issues relevant to Japanese marine insurers. He also visited the conference venue for next year which promises to be a very special occasion.
Nordic Marine Insurance Day, Stockholm
“Trust under pressure” was the theme at the Nordic Marine Insurance Day in Stockholm where IUMI Chief Analyst Veith Huesmann delivered a data-driven snapshot of the global marine insurance market, built on IUMI’s latest statistics and Major Claims Database. Veith focused on why premium trends, regional shifts and large-loss developments matter for the Nordic members as much as every other market. Turning daily news and super-cycle developments into underwriting guidance can be achieved by transforming data into strategy. IUMI supports this approach with insights and statistics. Thank you to the team at Insurance Sweden for inviting IUMI to join this important event.
