Who and what is AW Marine?
AW Marine was formed in 2013 by Ann Waite. At that time, following over 30 years working within the international marine insurance industry, Ann decided to go independent in the firm belief that the combination of skills she had acquired during that period together with her wide network of contacts around the world, would be something that others facing actual or potential problems would wish to utilise.
AW Marine was formed to offer a wide range of consultancy services to the international marine insurance markets. Working independently, Ann can not only give unbiased advice but can also prioritise her time so as to give full attention to the specific needs of her clients, be they “one-off” advices, facilitating workshops and brain storming sessions, direct discussions with entrenched parties, or acting in the capacity of a mediator.
In 2016 Ann qualified as a Business and Personal Coach and in July 2019 achieved a Postgraduate Certificate from the University of Chester. This has added to the repertoire of services offered; providing one to one coaching to facilitate those in the industry who would benefit from a coaching programme to help them through particular stages in their careers or perhaps to overcome hurdles along the way.
Principles and Philosophy
In short, the principles are to deliver sound practical advice; strive to find solutions as opposed to a confrontational approach to disputes; a pragmatic outlook where “grey” areas exist on issues of coverage or recoverability and flexibility throughout. Above all the focus is on facilitating prompt resolution to issues combined with excellent value for money. Please see the section ‘What we do’ for examples of areas where the services of AW Marine could be of particular use.
What We Do
Frequently, parties can become entrenched in a dispute, often arising due to misunderstandings, incorrect interpretations or clashes in personalities. AW Marine can help to remove such a stalemate. As an experienced negotiator, Ann can deliver solutions that preserve and maintain relationships, helping to remove the emotional cloak that often prevents parties reaching resolution. Facilitation can (and should) be the step before expensive formal ADR or litigation. It is quick and extremely cost efficiently.
Appointment can be by one party or mutually by those parties in dispute. As the service is not in the public domain maintaining confidentiality, often a valued quality, is assured.
After 30 plus years working in the international marine marketplace, Ann is known to and has worked with many parties on both sides of the fence, which can assist in a quick and economical result.
There is a wide range of situations when this confidential service will be valuable such as disputes between the insured and their insurers; insurers and their reinsurers; Error & Omission negotiations involving several parties.
Whilst preferring to act in the capacity of a facilitator, being wholly independent and a CEDR Accredited Mediator, Ann can act in that capacity should both parties so wish.
Armed with a wealth of experience in resolving coverage issues, Ann is often appointed by ship-owners, charterers, brokers or other parties who want an independent review of their marine insurance placements. A periodic review of insurance terms and conditions can highlight overlaps and gaps in cover, both of which can cause lack of certainty in the event of a claim. It is certainly better to resolve such matters before a claims occurs.
For hull and machinery programmes, this service is usually undertaken in conjunction with an average adjuster to ensure that practical claims adjustment aspects are also reviewed depending on the particular trade of the shipowner or appointing party.
Having handled the largest ever marine loss to the market, Costa Concordia, Ann’s expertise is available to parachute into such a situation. Many brokers for example do not have the expertise in-house to deal with such claims but can avail themselves of the expertise on a case by case basis.
As a qualified Business and Personal Coach, Ann is able to assist organisations or individuals in their development. Focussing on one to one coaching, a programme can be developed to assist in the attainment of business and personal goals. This can be of huge benefit at particular stages of career development, facilitating an individual to find their solutions to new challenges
With experience of two new start-up businesses (Dex and Benfield Corporate Risk), Ann has considerable experience in designing new products and insurance products, together with implementing world-class claims service whilst ensuring compliance with the relevant regulators. AW Marine has undertaken workshops and brain-storming sessions with parties wanting to reality-test their new products prior to launch.
Many organisations are striving to develop new products to give them the edge over their competitors. With experience as a broker and underwriter together with a wide exposure to the differing cultural environments around the world, it is useful to have a sounding board to test the feasibility of such products.
Over the years since starting AW Marine, Ann has participated in several training programmes (in conjunction with a psychologist) working with claims handlers and underwriters to enhance the provision of top class service and effectively communicate with brokers and clients; including delivering bad news whilst preserving relationships.
AW Marine is available to undertake claims audits within insurers, cover-holders and brokers as required.
With the number of insolvencies on the rise within the shipping sector, often many insurance receivables are left in abeyance. AW Marine can assist the Trustees of the Estate to obtain the claims funds from relevant policies, whilst also assisting insurers to reach the finality of being able to close their books rather than maintain outstanding reserves for years.
Ann Waite
Prior to forming AW Marine, Ann most recently held the position of Head of Claims and Head of Hull with Aon (previously Benfield Corporate Risk, where Ann led the global marine claims practice). Of particular note is that during 2012, she handled the Costa Concordia claim; to date the largest loss to the marine market.
Before joining BCR, Ann held the role of Chief Operating Officer/Claims Director of Dex Serv Ltd, the hull and machinery insurer managed by Thomas Miller, having joined as one of the founder members when Dex was formed in 1999.
Before moving to the underwriting sector with Dex, Ann spent 13 years in the broking community, 9 years with Willis followed by 4 years with C E Heath. Having joined Heaths as Claims Director of Heath Martens Horner, Ann became Managing Director responsible for all classes of business following the amalgamation of all Heath Group claims into Heath Claims Management.
Most of Ann’s time at Willis was spent specialising in marine claims including hull, liability and cargo, although periods were also spent on the placing side, involved with marine legal liabilities, in particular terminal operations and ship repairers. Additionally, Ann took up the role of Claims Director of the International Reinsurance Division handling marine and non-marine claims before returning to the retail side.
Ann is a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute as well as a CEDR Accredited Mediator.
OUR CLIENTS
Clients AW Marine has had the pleasure of acting for, amongst others, the following companies:
Who we can act for
Amongst others, AW Marine has undertaken work for the following types of entities:
Shipowners
Insurance Companies
Lloyd's Syndicates
P&I Clubs
Insurance Brokers
Claims Handling Organisations
Salvage Companies
Marine Admiralty Solicitors
Average Adjusters
Marine Surveyors
Marine Mortgagees
Trustees Administrators of Insolvent Marine Companies
Run-Off Agencies
Charterers
Useful Links
How we charge
We operate a flexible approach to fees. We can offer a competitive hourly rate, fixed fee or a fee based on results.
Please contact us to discuss further.
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