At the Annual General Meeting of the International Group of P&I Clubs in London on 11 November 2025, Rolf Thore Roppestad was appointed as the new Chair of the International Group of P&I Clubs.
Roppestad succeeds Andrew Cutler, who has served since November 2022. The Group thanked Cutler for his contributions and the positive impacts during his time as Chair. Under Cutler’s leadership the Group has faced a number of issues, from growing geopolitical concerns, wars and an expanding sanctions regime, to the merger of two of its member Clubs. The Group also celebrated its 125th anniversary during Cutler’s tenure.
Reflecting on his term as Chair, Cutler commented: “When I took office, we were still emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, we have seen geopolitical tensions rising, whilst the regulatory burdens in shipping are increasing and compliance with global trade rules is becoming ever more complex. Despite these pressures, the Group system remains vital in continuing to keep global maritime trade moving. I have no doubt that Rolf Thore will lead the Group effectively in facing the many challenges ahead, ensuring that Clubs can continue to support their shipowner members and provide high levels of P&I cover through the Group system.”
Roppestad thanked the outgoing Chair and confirmed his commitment to ensuring the continuity and stability of the Group, saying: "The IG system is close to my heart. It plays a key part not only in facilitating global shipping, but also in helping to protect seafarers and the marine environment. Under Andrew’s leadership, the Group has thrived and consistently demonstrated its value, and I look forward to building on that. Together, the Group Clubs will continue to support shipowners as they navigate an increasingly complex regulatory and geopolitical environment. Keeping the IG mission at the forefront: collectively stronger.”
“In today’s geopolitical climate, where established global frameworks and collaboration are under pressure on several fronts, the role of the IG is perhaps more critical than ever,” Roppestad added. “The IG brings together mutual P&I insurers from different parts of the world to ensure that maritime casualties are handled responsibly and efficiently. It ensures that clean-up is properly managed, that people are supported and compensated, and that communities are protected. It is a system that has served society well – and one we must continue to safeguard and promote.”
Group CEO Nick Shaw, welcomed the appointment and acknowledged Cutler’s important contribution: “All of those who have worked with Andrew over the last 3 years have been impressed by his collaborative leadership and attention to detail. We all wish Andrew every success for the future. I also look forward to continuing Andrew’s good work with Rolf Thore and developing the Group’s strategy as we face the future challenges in the maritime industry.”
About the International Group
The twelve P&I Clubs which comprise the International Group (the “Group”) between them provide marine liability cover (protection and indemnity) for approximately 90% of the world's ocean-going tonnage.
Through the unique Group structure, the member Clubs, whilst individually competitive, share between them their large loss exposures, and also share their respective knowledge and expertise on matters relating to shipowners’ liabilities and the insurance and reinsurance of such liabilities.
Each Group Club is an independent, not-for-profit mutual insurance association, providing cover for its shipowner and charterer members against third party liabilities arising out of the use and operation of ships. Each Club is owned by its shipowner and charterer members, and its operations and activities are overseen by a board of directors, or committee, elected from the membership. The day-to-day operations of the Clubs are handled by professional managers, either "in-house" or external, who are appointed by and report to their Club board/committee.
The Clubs cover a wide range of liabilities, including loss of life and personal injury to crew, passengers and others on board, cargo loss and damage, pollution by oil and other hazardous substances, wreck removal, collision and damage to property. The Clubs also provide a wide range of services to their members including claims handling, advice on legal issues and loss prevention, and they regularly play a leading role in coordinating the response to, and management of, maritime casualties.
image: L-R - Nick Shaw (IG CEO), Rolf Thore Roppestad (IG Chair), and Andrew Cutler (ex IG Chair)
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