Heightened tensions in the Middle East and particularly in the politically sensitive area in the Strait of Hormuz recently saw a British flagged tanker boarded by Iranian forces and diverted into Iranian waters. This latest incident follows other attempts to seize a British registered vessel in retaliation for an Iranian tanker boarded by British forces off Gibraltar.

It is in direct response to this growing threat that Malicious Vessel Seizure has been developed by Hiscox to protect shipping in the event of being seized by a foreign government. Malicious Vessel Seizure will respond to a single peril of a ship taken by a foreign government, providing Loss of Hire costs and the services of Control Risks.

Commenting on the launch of the new product, Stuart Bisson, Head of Guernsey and Europe for Hiscox Special Risks, says: “In recent months we’ve seen growing political tension between the US and Iran which has recently culminated in the seizure of a British flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. We have developed Malicious Vessel Seizure to respond directly to incidents like this where a ship owner or charterer has their vessel seized by a nation state who may have taken the ship as a retaliatory measure.

“It provides ship owners and charterers with the reassurance of knowing that they have the resources and expertise of Control Risks to help them manage the crisis as well as the financial support of Hiscox to meet their Loss of Hire costs.”

No ships trading with Iran will be considered.

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