Tom Pocklington, RSA's Lead Underwriter, Shipbuilding Risk, provides insight.
In an industry where precision, trust, and resilience are vital, it’s important for shipbuilders and shipyards to work with an insurance partner who understands the specific challenges of marine construction. With 25 years in shipbuilding insurance, all of that time at RSA, I’ve seen first-hand how valuable specialist knowledge, global capability, and consistent engagement can be in supporting this sector.
Built on experience, shaped by expertise
Shipbuilding is complex, high-value, and high-stakes. Over the years, I’ve seen everything from an underwriting perspective. From bespoke naval vessels to massive offshore constructions like rigs. Each project brings unique risks, and there is no room for guesswork. At RSA, we’ve developed a reputation for managing these risks with a combination of technical skill and real-world understanding.
My team and I don’t just underwrite from behind a desk; I visit yards regularly, walk the blocks, talk to engineers and surveyors, observe procedures, and build relationships face-to-face. These aren’t occasional visits, they’re a central part of how we operate. We believe that understanding a yard’s specific environment, team, and capabilities is essential to providing effective coverage.
A unique position in the London Market
RSA occupies a key space in the London insurance market. We’re one of the few insurers with a dedicated underwriting role for shipbuilding focused on shipyard risk. Many insurers treat shipbuilding as an occasional subset of marine or property lines. That simply doesn’t work for all clients. These are technical risks that demand technical solutions and expert insight.
As part of the London Market, we have immediate access to global insurance capacity, while maintaining the personal touch our brokers can typically expect from a regional office. For brokers looking for both scale and responsiveness, that combination is invaluable.
Deep technical understanding
Shipyards today face growing pressure: tighter deadlines, evolving environmental standards, and increasing vessel complexity. In that environment, insurance must do more than transfer risk - it must enable a partnership which strives for success.
Our team brings significant technical knowledge to the table, particularly when it comes to critical exposures like fire and launching. These are not theoretical risks; they can be some of the costliest and most disruptive events that can occur in a yard. We work closely with surveyors to assess and address these issues long before a claim arises.
Regular surveys are a cornerstone of our underwriting approach. They allow us to identify weaknesses, suggest improvements, and work collaboratively with clients to ensure risk is well understood and well managed. It’s not just about ticking a box, it’s about helping shipbuilders maintain uptime, protect investments, and deliver vessels safely, to budget and on time.
A global player for big projects
RSA has a consistent, long-standing presence in the marine market. We’re here for the long haul, with a steady appetite and a strong capacity. That consistency matters, particularly for large-scale or long-lead projects such as naval ships or offshore platforms.
Our global reach means we can support complex, cross-border shipbuilding ventures with the same confidence and care we bring to local yards. We understand the regulatory nuances, logistical challenges, and financial frameworks involved, and we have the capability to help manage them end-to-end.
A partnership built on trust
Ultimately, shipbuilders, yards, and their brokers need more than an insurance policy. They are looking a partner who understands their industry and needs. At RSA, we see ourselves as an extension of the shipyard team: working side-by-side, sharing knowledge, solving problems, and supporting success.
After decades in this field, I’ve learned that it’s not just about covering loss - it's about building resilience. Whether you're constructing a naval frigate, a research vessel, or a renewable energy platform, the right insurance partner can make all the difference. And at RSA, we're proud to be that partner.
