NorthStandard: From the Tyne to the world

From collier brigs hauling black gold to goliath vessels forged in roaring shipyards, the River Tyne’s global industrial past needs little introduction.

Today, its waters flow to a much quieter rhythm: the coal carriers long vanished, the mighty commercial and naval fleets surviving only in sepia photographs and flickering film reels.

Yet while the great ships no longer grace the Tyne, the industrious spirit that hummed along its banks during their creation nevertheless endures.

Central to such is NorthStandard, the Newcastle-headquartered global marine insurer that is upholding the region’s storied maritime past while charting new courses for international seafaring trade.

Led by a 300-plus-staff office overlooking the Tyne’s tidal waters, it insures nearly one in five of the world’s ocean-going vessels through a portfolio that includes protection and indemnity, hull and machinery, and freight, demurrage and defence cover.

And all of it remains underwritten by a proud North East lineage tracing back more than 165 years to the North of England Iron Steam Ship Protecting Association that latterly became North P&I Club.

Today, NorthStandard – formed through the 2023 merger of North P&I Club and The Standard Club – employs more than 700 people across 13 countries, and recorded poolable mutual tonnage of nearly 270 million gross tonnes in its last reporting year.

For all its global presence, though, NorthStandard chair Cesare d’Amico, says the firm will always remain anchored to its North East home.

He says: “The merger between North P&I Club and The Standard Club has created a unique powerhouse in marine insurance, blending tradition with forward-thinking approaches to risk, claims and customer engagement – all while expanding our reach worldwide.

“But we will never lose sight of the enormous role the North East has played in shaping the maritime industry and helping it thrive over the centuries.

“We are very proud of NorthStandard’s heritage; North East shipowners were forming clubs to share their liabilities as early as the 1830s, and we’re honoured to continue that legacy.”

Such history, adds managing director Paul Jennings, pictured below with Cesare, permeates NorthStandard’s expertise, marking its global services with the same assiduousness that once thrummed through Newcastle’s docks and yards.

He says: “The North East is deeply ingrained in our culture.

“The region is more than just a location: it is a community that shapes how we serve our members worldwide.”

“Having our largest UK headquarters office in Newcastle pays homage to our proud legacy in the region, while highlighting the North East as a leading global marine hub,” says Paul, who works alongside fellow managing director Jeremy Grose.

He adds: “The impact of the North East extends to our people too.

“We have strong employee retention rates, with many of our team members, both in the North East and across the globe, having been with us for decades.

“Their loyalty and deep expertise are invaluable assets that continue to strengthen our business.

“We combine that local expertise with an international outlook, delivering flexibility, trustworthiness and a uniquely grounded perspective to clients.”

And in an ever-changing maritime landscape – where geopolitical instability, sustainable fuel commitments, regulatory changes, cybersecurity threats and crew safety and wellbeing measures continue to stir commercial waters – such dependability, says shipowner Cesare, is invaluable.

He says: “Our people are our biggest strength when supporting members to overcome these obstacles.

“We have an unmatched depth and breadth of expertise; members have 24/7 access to skilled assistance.

“We work with members to solve their problems, and we’re investing in innovation, commissioning research projects and working closely with industry bodies to further strengthen our provision.

“This is reflected in our external affairs function, which we established to build collaborative relationships and engage directly with policymakers to raise shipping industry interests in the development of local, national and international regulation.”

The firm is building on those foundations through skills and community initiatives that are driving staff retention higher while inspiring the next generation of maritime sector personnel and strengthening social impact.

Highlighting the NorthStandard Academy, which provides specialised training and educational pathways through practical learning, Cesare says: “Young professionals are critical to the future of our industry.

“They will play an important role in adapting to evolving challenges like decarbonisation and digitalisation, and sustaining maritime insurance innovation over the longer term.

“But for younger generations to shape the industry, we must ensure there is a resilient and sustainable sector in place.

“We are investing in apprenticeship programmes, the NorthStandard Academy, mentoring and partnerships with local maritime schools to create clear career pathways and entry points.

“Our goal is to inspire and equip young talent to carry forward our heritage while driving transformation, by fostering an inclusive culture that encourages curiosity, learning and empowerment.”

Emphasising NorthStandard’s partnerships, which include strong ties with institutions such as South Shields Marine School, Paul adds: “We are dedicated to developing a diverse and inclusive workforce in the North East.

“We invest in our people to ensure their continuous personal, professional and technical development, and help employees with menopause support, carers leave and fertility leave too.

“We supplement that with work alongside local causes that mean something to staff, through corporate volunteering, charitable grants and community partnerships.

“We previously carried out a beach clean at Tynemouth and, earlier this year, sponsored the release of 1000 lobsters, via the Whitby Lobster Hatchery, to help protect the long-term commercial sustainability of the local fishing industry.

“Additionally, we work with charity partners including Greggs Foundation, the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, St Oswald’s Hospice and NGAGE North East.”

And with such foundations in place, Paul says NorthStandard is well positioned to grow globally over the next decade and beyond – all with the North East at its heart.

He adds: “We aim to accelerate innovation through investment in advanced risk modelling, data analytics and ESG-aligned insurance solutions that anticipate the evolving needs of maritime businesses.

“And by fostering strong local and global partnerships alongside sustainable practices, we will build a resilient business that honours our heritage and takes on tomorrow together.”

 

NorthStandard

For more information about NorthStandard and the insurance services it provides, which include the Sunderland Marine division that covers fishing, coastal and specialist vessels, as well as aquaculture and angling lakes, visit www.north-standard.com

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