Maritime Insurance & Liability Branch
The Insurance Branch of the Nautical Wing administers statutory obligations relating to shipowner liability insurance, the approval of Protection and Indemnity Clubs and non-IG insurance entities, and India's implementation of international liability conventions under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025.
International Group of P&I Clubs
Principal Clubs, Affiliated Associations and Reinsured Subsidiaries
The International Group of Protection and Indemnity Clubs (IG P&I) comprises thirteen principal clubs that together insure approximately 90 per cent of the world's ocean-going tonnage for third-party liability risks including personal injury, cargo loss, pollution, and collision liability. The Directorate General of Shipping recognises all IG P&I clubs for the purposes of compliance with statutory insurance requirements under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025. The complete and current list of principal clubs, affiliated associations, and reinsured subsidiaries is maintained on the IG P&I website.
Visit IG P&I Clubs WebsiteCriteria for Authorisation of Non-IG Insurance Companies
Authorisation Criteria under Port Entry Rules, 2012
Non-IG insurance companies and Protection and Indemnity Clubs seeking approval under Rule 2(e) of the Merchant Shipping (Regulation of Entry of Ships into Ports, Anchorages and Offshore Facilities) Rules, 2012 must satisfy the criteria prescribed by the Directorate General of Shipping. The checklist setting out the documentation requirements, financial adequacy standards, and procedural requirements for authorisation may be downloaded from the link below.
Download Authorisation Checklist (PDF)Approved Non-IG Insurance Companies and P&I Clubs
23 EntitiesThe following entities have been approved under Rule 2(e) of the Merchant Shipping (Regulation of Entry of Ships into Ports, Anchorages and Offshore Facilities) Rules, 2012. The approval validity date and a sample copy of the Certificate of Entry for each approved entity are provided. Entries marked as Interim Extension are under renewal review; the extension is valid until a formal decision on the renewal application is communicated.
| Sr. | Name of Non-IG Insurance Company / P&I Club | Approval Valid Until | Sample Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QBE Insurance (Europe) Limited, represented by British Marine, UK | 20.02.2028 | Download |
| 2 | Korea Ship Owner Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association, South Korea | 20.02.2028 | Download |
| 3 | Ingrosstrakh Insurance Company, Russia | 20.02.2029 | Download |
| 4 | Institute of Qeshm International Trust Alliance Mutual Club, Iran | 20.02.2029 | Download |
| 5 | Maritime Mutual Insurance Association (NZ) Ltd., New Zealand | 20.02.2027 | Download |
| 6 | Hydor AS, Oslo, Norway | 20.02.2027 | Download |
| 7 | Great American Insurance Company, Singapore Branch | 20.02.2028 | Download |
| 8 | Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co., Ltd., Japan | 20.02.2028 | Download |
| 9 | M/s. MSIG Europe SE, with underwriting agency M/s. MSIG Specialty Marine NV, Belgium | 20.02.2029 | Download |
| 10 | Alandia Forsakring ABP, Finland | 20.02.2027 | Download |
| 11 | Alfastrakhovanie PCL, Russia | 20.02.2030 | Download |
| 12 | Sogaz Insurance Co., Russia | 20.02.2030 | Download |
| 13 | M/s. The New India Assurance Co., Ltd., Mumbai | 20.02.2029 | Download |
| 14 | M/s. VSK Insurance, Russia | 20.02.2030 | Download |
| 15 | M/s. Sun Re Ltd., Nevis | 20.02.2031 | Download |
| 16 | M/s. Soglasie Insurance Company Limited, Russia | 20.02.2027 | Download |
| 17 | M/s. UGORIA Group of Insurance Companies, Russia | 20.02.2027 | Download |
| 18 | M/s. SBERBANK Insurance, LLC, Russia | 20.02.2027 | Download |
| 19 | M/s. ASTK Insurance LLC, Russia | 20.02.2027 | Download |
| 20 | M/s. Gazprom Insurance Ltd., Russia | 19.02.2027 | Download |
| 21 | M/s. Rosgosstrakh Insurance, Russia | 19.02.2027 | Download |
| 22 | M/s. Islamic Protection & Indemnity Club Dubai | 19.02.2027 | Download |
| 23 | M/s. Balance Insurance JSC, Russia | 19.08.2026 | Download |
International Liability Conventions Administered
6 InstrumentsThe Insurance Branch administers India's obligations under the following international liability and compensation conventions, as given effect through the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, and subordinate rules and orders framed thereunder.
LLMC 1976 / Protocol 1996Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims
Provides a global regime for the limitation of liability of shipowners and salvors in respect of maritime claims including loss of life, personal injury, property damage, and wreck removal costs. India applies the 1996 Protocol limits.
CLC 1992Civil Liability Convention for Oil Pollution Damage
Establishes strict liability of the shipowner for pollution damage caused by persistent oil spills from laden or unladen tankers, and requires compulsory insurance backed by a Blue Card issued by an approved insurer or P&I club.
IOPC Fund 1992International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund
Provides supplementary compensation to victims of oil pollution damage when the shipowner's liability under CLC 1992 is insufficient to meet all valid claims. India is a contributing member state of the 1992 Fund and the Supplementary Fund Protocol.
Bunker Convention 2001Bunkers Oil Pollution Damage
Extends compulsory insurance requirements to cover pollution damage from fuel oil carried in the bunkers of non-tanker vessels, filling the gap left by CLC 1992 which is restricted to persistent oil carried as cargo in tankers.
Wreck Removal Convention 2007Nairobi International Convention
Imposes liability on registered shipowners for the cost of locating, marking, and removing wrecks that pose a hazard to navigation or the marine environment in the exclusive economic zone, and requires compulsory insurance for vessels above 300 GT.
Non-IG Insurance ApprovalPort Entry Rules, 2012
Insurance companies and mutual clubs not belonging to the International Group may be approved by the Directorate General of Shipping under Rule 2(e) of the Port Entry Rules, 2012, upon satisfying the prescribed criteria for financial capacity, cover scope, and operational compliance.
Insurance Branch, Nautical Wing
Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai | Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India
