The Steamship Podcast

We explore key questions from our recent Risk Alert on Hatch Cover Weathertightness.

Why does this matter?

Effective hatch cover integrity remains one of the first lines of defence against cargo damage. Even minor defects can allow water ingress, leading to costly claims, delays and operational disruption.

In this episode, we break down:

• What hatch covers are and why they are critical to cargo safety
• The importance of maintaining weathertight integrity
• Common issues that can lead to water ingress
• Why testing – particularly ultrasonic testing – is essential
• Practical steps to reduce the risk of cargo wetting claims

Through a clear Q&A format, the podcast provides practical insights for operators and crew, reinforcing the importance of proactive maintenance, inspection and testing in supporting safe cargo operations.

For further information, contact your usual Club representative, or for general enquiries please contact: [email protected]

The Strait of Hormuz continues to present complex and evolving risks for shipowners and operators — not only from a security perspective, but increasingly from a sanctions and compliance standpoint.

We highlight key takeaways from our recent article on sanctions considerations, including:

• Reported transit requirements and associated payment demands
• The implications of OFAC FAQ 1249 and exposure under U.S., EU and UK regimes
• Recent developments in sanctions enforcement linked to Iranian activity
• The potential impact on Club cover for owners and charterers

For further information, contact your usual Club representative, or for general enquiries please contact: [email protected]

In the episode, we look at why Brazil remains a challenging jurisdiction for limiting liability, what the potential adoption of CLC 92 could mean for tanker owners, and why non tanker shipowners are unlikely to see similar reform.

For further information, contact your usual Club representative, or for general enquiries please contact: [email protected]

Marine fuel availability is fast becoming a critical issue for owners and charterers — not just in terms of cost, but whether compliant fuel can actually be sourced, where and when it’s needed.

In this short podcast episode, we highlight the key themes from our latest article, including the impact of disruption through the Strait of Hormuz, pressure on voyage planning and seaworthiness, charterparty risk allocation, MARPOL compliance and the limits of FONARs, as well as the risks around deviation and slow steaming.

The key message is clear: fuel availability is no longer a remote risk and needs to be actively planned for.

For further information, contact your usual Club representative, or for general enquiries please contact: [email protected]

We’ve released the first joint podcast from Steamship Mutual and MHSS, offering practical support for seafarers affected by the ongoing crisis in the Persian Gulf.

 In this episode, Charles Watkins from MHSS shares one core message: acknowledge what you’re feeling.

By naming stress or emotion, seafarers can regain clarity and control — a simple technique known as “Name it to tame it.”

Our aim is to provide short, reassuring guidance for crews working under exceptional pressure, and to remind them that support is always available.

Listen to the episode and learn more about our partnership with MHSS on the Steamship Mutual website.

How to access the FREE helpline

A FREE 24/7 helpline is available for Steamship Members through the Club’s partnership with MHSS. Seafarers can obtain the dedicated phone number and email via their crewing manager or the vessel’s Captain.

For further information, you may also contact Viktoriia Glavatska (Loss Prevention Executive) at [email protected] or your usual Club contact.

🔗 Click here for more resources: Helping seafarers maintain mental well-being

#SteamshipMutual #SteamshipPodcast #MHSS #MentalHealthSupport

For further information, contact your usual Club representative, or for general enquiries please contact: [email protected]

Important Update for Shipowner-Operators Trading to the U.S. 

 With the upcoming introduction of U.S. port tariffs targeting Chinese owned/operated and built vessels, the team at @Steamship Mutual has been actively responding to the key questions and concerns raised by our Members.

 This is a rapidly evolving regulatory development, and we understand the potential operational and financial impacts it may have on calls to U.S. ports.

 To support our Members and industry partners, we’ve created a podcast and dedicated page where you’ll find:

• A summary of the proposed tariff changes
• Answers to frequently asked questions
• Ongoing updates as the situation develops

 Stay informed and follow the page for real-time insights and guidance: Steamship Mutual - U.S. Tariffs & Trade

 Thank you to @Sharma, Joanne, @Wilgus, Lauren, @Wu, Shirley, @Barnes, Edward and @Done, Ceri for their insights. If you have any questions or would like to discuss any of the points raised in more detail, please reach out via our dedicated queries email address [email protected] 

For further information, contact your usual Club representative, or for general enquiries please contact: [email protected]

The Directors of the Club recently met in Miami and a circular has been issued with a report on the meeting. This podcast will I hope give you some insights into the decisions made. 

For further information, contact your usual Club representative, or for general enquiries please contact: [email protected]

In our latest Steamship Mutual Podcast episode, we dive into the multifaceted case from the 5th Circuit Court that involves a $222 million damages award, the reasons behind the appeal, and the ultimate reversal of that verdict.

This episode centres on Jesse Henson, a worker at a coal-fired power plant in Kansas, who tragically lost his life due to a failed pressure relief valve. Jesse's widow, Kelli Most, pursued claims against Team Industrial Services and Westar Energy, initially resulting in a $222 million award.

For further information, contact your usual Club representative, or for general enquiries please contact: [email protected]

Steamship Mutual provides P&I cover for owners. In addition the Club offers a range of ancillary products, including Hull War insurance covering physical damage to the Hull as well as primary P&I from War perils. Recent events in Ukraine and the Red Sea mean it is more important than ever for Members to understand the scope of cover they have for War Risks. 

We are joined today by Rupert Harris. Rupert is the CEO of Steamship Mutual Europe, and the Club’s Head of Reinsurance. 

For further information, contact your usual Club representative, or for general enquiries please contact: [email protected]

Steamship Mutual provides P&I cover to both owners and charterers.  In addition the Club offers a range of ancillary products, including War cover. Recent events in Ukraine and the Red Sea mean it is more important than ever for Members to understand the scope of cover they have for War Risks. 

We are today by Rupert Harris.  Rupert is the CEO of Steamship Mutual Europe, one of the Club’s Underwriting Directors and also the Club’s Head of Reinsurance. 

For further information, contact your usual Club representative, or for general enquiries please contact: [email protected]