QBE expands European marine business with Germany launch

QBE has further expanded its marine underwriting business in Europe by launching in Germany, with more offices set to open across the continent.

The Australian insurer said Europe presents a growth opportunity for its marine business. The company launched across Europe last year with an office in France, followed by the Nordics this April.

QBE made clear it is targeting more locations in Europe, naming the Netherlands as a “top priority”.

Philip Specht has been appointed as senior marine underwriter and Lars Habersaat as marine underwriter for the new German operation, which will underwrite marine cargo and fine art and species products from QBE’s Hamburg office.

“QBE wants to seize the opportunity offered by the European marine market and wants to position itself as a nimble actor in that sector,” the company said. “Since marine is an international business, this European rollout will support intelligence exchange while enabling a local approach.”

QBE has been building its marine underwriting team in Europe under Tania Bensoussan-Arthur, its marine practice lead for the region.

Bensoussan-Arthur said: “QBE has a long-standing marine business and it is very exciting for me to expand and roll out the product line locally into Germany after France and the Nordics. Trade routes are changing, cargo risks are evolving and our product aims at supporting the marine sector’s resilience. International trade requires international expertise combined with local knowledge, and the European team will deliver this cross-border competence tailored to country-specific needs.”

Andrea Brock, general manager of QBE Deutschland, said: “We’re delighted to further expand our wide product range in Germany to cover most business risks. While marine is an international business, many customers in that industry are based in one country, where they want to be serviced. They prefer this local approach and that’s what we want to offer them.”