Helga Grønlund Hodne has recently taken over as Chair of our Salvage Forum and we asked her a few questions about her background and her plans for the Forum.
What is your day job and what was the route that has taken you there?
I currently work as an Assistant Vice President at Skuld in Oslo. My day job consists of claims handling and adjusting as well as client meetings, seminars and presentations for our members and other stakeholders in the industry. With a fresh law degree, I started my career in marine insurance as an intern at the Norwegian Hull Club in 2017 which led me into claims handling, and in 2023 I made the move to join Skuld and the Hull claims team in Oslo.
You have recently been appointed Chair of the IUMI Salvage Forum. What has been your association with IUMI to date and how did you find yourself being appointed to this role?
I’ve been involved with IUMI since 2022 when I took on the role of Secretary for the Salvage Forum. It’s been a rewarding experience working alongside such a knowledgeable and engaged group of professionals. When Nick Coleman recently decided to step down as Chair, I was given the opportunity to take over the role. I am truly motivated to build on the great work that’s already been done and to continue working with the Forum and we are very glad to have Nick continuing his contributions to the Forum as a member!
What is the main focus of the Salvage Forum and what are your ambitions for it going forward?
The Salvage Forum consists of highly experienced professionals representing marine insurers globally. The purpose of the Forum is to represent and promote marine insurers’ interests and views with respect to salvage and general average. We monitor relevant developments associated with salvage and act as an educational resource to the IUMI membership and the wider insurance industry on salvage and general average issues. Our aim is to promote a sound working relationship with other maritime stakeholders such as the International Salvage Union, shipowners and the International Group of P&I clubs.
The Forum has done a tremendous job over the past few years in strengthening the dialogue between key players in the industry. My ambition is to continue that good work and to keep up the good momentum we have created. One key area I’d like to focus on is to further promote and communicate developments within salvage to the IUMI members and the wider insurance industry, and to contribute with valuable insights on relevant issues.
In general, what are the key issues facing international salvage today? Can IUMI help with these?
One key challenge is the impact of sanctions on salvage operations and the logistical issues that arise, for example in situations when a vessel in distress is sanctioned or there are other sanctioned entities involved in a salvage operation, causing challenges for commercial salvors and insurers. We have also seen examples where there has been hesitancy from authorities to assist vessels in distress in coastal waters when there may be a sanction issue, leaving the vessel and crew to wait for longer periods before receiving necessary assistance, which ultimately can lead to elevated levels of distress for the crew on board. The Salvage Forum is closely monitoring these developments as these are issues that need to be addressed.
How would you describe the relationship between salvors and marine insurers?
I would say IUMI and the ISU have a strong working relationship and a good dialogue on current issues and developments in the industry. It is important for marine insurers to maintain a good working relationship with salvors and this is actively promoted by the Salvage Forum.
