Meeting Our Consultative Members – International Group of P&I Clubs
Interview with Mr Nick Shaw, CEO of the International Group of P&I Clubs (IGP&I)
June 2025 Edition
In recognition of the International Group of P&I Clubs’ vital and ongoing contribution to the work of the CMI, the Editorial Team is delighted to feature the IGP&I in this edition of the Newsletter.
Mr Nick Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of the International Group, kindly responded to a number of questions posed by the Editorial Team, offering insight into the Group’s mission, challenges, and longstanding collaboration with the CMI.
Q: As CEO of the International Group of P&I Clubs, you lead a key organisation in the maritime insurance world. Could you start by telling us whether you see the role of the International Group in the global maritime community changing and evolving?
A: The core purpose of the International Group of P&I Clubs (IG) (comprising 12 Clubs presently) is to continue collectively to provide high levels of cover to shipowners in respect of third party liability claims on a mutual, not for profit basis. The actions that the 12 Clubs take individually and collectively as the IG, supported by its Secretariat, have this purpose at their heart. This includes sharing of expertise across the Group Clubs, providing guidance to shipowners on multiple issues and emerging risks or acting as a collective voice for shipowners in respect of liability issues. Whilst the issues that we are facing change all the time, the underlying purpose of the IG in addressing them does not.
Q: The International Group has been a long-standing and highly valued consultative member of the CMI for many years. In your own words, why is it important for the Group to maintain this relationship and why should that support continue into the future?
A: The CMI brings together many of the world’s leading maritime practitioners to look at the legal and liability framework affecting global shipping. As a representative body for shipowners on liability issues, the International Group is naturally interested in the workings of CMI and its efforts to help shape the global maritime regulatory framework. The work of CMI in supporting countries in their efforts to ratify the international liability conventions—which help underpin the balance between maritime authorities on the one hand and the insurance markets on the other—is particularly important and ongoing.
Q: We’re also delighted that you’re a regular participant at our conferences. We must admit (perhaps with some bias!) that they are not only intellectually enriching but also tremendously enjoyable. What can you tell us about this particular photo from the 2024 Gothenburg Colloquium Gala Dinner, themed “The Roaring 20s – The Great Gatsby”?
A: This photo underlines my own experience over 35 years in the shipping industry, namely that amidst the serious issues we all face on a daily basis, there is a tremendous camaraderie across the sector that allows for some fun along the way. CMI’s President, Ann Fenech, is a great example of both.
Q: You were recently present at our very well-attended Tokyo Conference, joined by over 500 delegates from all four corners of the world. At the Conference, you were one of the panellists at the session titled “The Future of the IOPC and HNS Funds.” What were the key points you wanted the audience to take away?
A: The IOPC Funds are an important arm in the international effort to respond to oil spills around the world. The International Group engages with the Fund by participating in their workshops with maritime states and helping develop the Fund’s claims policy. We also have an MOU with the Fund setting out the International Group’s agreement to cooperate on claims handling. On HNS we are fully supportive of the ratification of the new Convention and the aim of having a similar framework for HNS as for persistent oil. In this way the important balance between having limits of liability and ensuring certainty of payment is maintained.
Q: In an increasingly complex maritime landscape, what do you think are the main challenges ahead?
A: It is vital that in the challenging world that we are encountering today, the global maritime regulatory and insurance framework, which has stood the test of time, remains in place. This will ensure that there is a level and fair framework within which all shipowners and maritime states can operate. Whether it be the changing geopolitical climate, the move towards alternative fuels, or the increasing use of digital technologies within the sector, countries must work together to build a sustainable future for all and the maritime industry has an important role to play.
Q: Finally, the International Group and the CMI enjoy an excellent working relationship, and we’re very much looking forward to strengthening that collaboration. Would you encourage others in the P&I world to attend future CMI Events and how do you see our organisations continuing to work together in the years ahead?
A: The Group is proud of its longstanding relationship with CMI and many Group Club representatives are already engaged on some of CMI’s workstreams. I see this trend continuing where there are regulatory points of relevance to the maritime liability sector.