Skuld reports 16th year of positive underwriting results
Skuld, a leading marine insurance provider, today announces a positive bottom line result of USD 11 million (USD 58 million in 2017) for its 2018 financial year ending 20 February 2019, and a total combined ratio of 98%. Gross earned premium in 2018 amounted to USD 402 million.
The result marks continuity in a record-breaking 16th consecutive year during which Skuld has reported a positive underwriting result. The year was characterised by challenging conditions in global insurance and investment markets. However, commercial marine liability underwriting contributed notably to the overall result, alongside a balanced performance of Skuld’s mutual P&I liability business.
Skuld experienced a handful of large claims, but overall claims frequency remained low, which contributed positively to the 2018/19 annual result. However, a high number of large claims submitted to the International Group of P&I Clubs’ joint pool added significantly to 2018/19 costs. Skuld only had two reported pool claims but continues to support the efficiency gains achieved through its membership of the International Group.
Global investment market volatility weighed on Skuld’s investment returns for the year, which increased the bottom line by USD 3 million. Skuld’s contingency reserves are now at a record high level of USD 453 million.
Ståle Hansen, Skuld president and CEO, said: “Skuld has delivered another strong result, relative to the environment in the international marine insurance market. The P&I side of the business continues to grow, with a net increase in entered tonnage, which is a positive reflection of Skuld’s market-leading levels of service.
“We have consolidated our P&I and commercial underwriting under the Skuld brand, as we continue to pursue diversification and sustainable growth and to enhance our services and global presence. We remain cautiously optimistic for 2019/20. No matter what the outcome for the year, we will continue to provide our members and clients with top-level services, international reach, and technical competence which our members and clients can rely on.”
Ends
Contacts:
Haggie Partners
Damian Beeley
+44 (0)20 7562 4444
About Skuld
Skuld is a world-leading marine insurance provider with a strong financial position and an ‘A’ rating with Standard & Poor’s. We cater to the needs of shipowners, the offshore and energy sector, charterers and traders, ports and terminals, cargo and the superyacht community.
Skuld was established in 1897 as a P&I club for Scandinavian shipowners. Since then, we have grown into a diversified marine insurer and now offer bespoke covers through Skuld P&I and Skuld SMA.
With headquarters in Oslo and a worldwide office network of around 270 highly skilled employees, we provide our members and clients with service and competence they can rely on, 24 hours a day.
Transparency policy
Skuld was the first member of the International Group of P&I clubs to publish six-month and nine-month results in addition to its annual review and has done so since 2003. Transparent, clear and precise communication with members, clients and brokers, the general public and the media is a priority for Skuld. Our objective is to ensure that all information that is made available by Skuld is accurate and relevant, and we continuously develop our communication with stakeholders.