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 Claims Emergency

London Branch

+44 203 829 5858

Singapore Branch

+65 8683 3190

The claims response service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and provides immediate global assistance to all of our Members.

Calling the emergency contact number provides a quick and effective way to speak directly to a duty Shipowners’ claims handler in the event of an incident or casualty involving an entered vessel.

During office hours the emergency number will redirect to the relevant corresponding office switchboard.

Alternatively, Members can request assistance from our network of correspondents located around the world.

Correspondents

Emergency Contact

25 Jun 2026

Download Press Release

LONDON, 25 JUNE 2026 – The Shipowners’ Club, the leading P&I insurer in the smaller and specialist vessel sector, has announced four senior appointments within its Claims team, effective 1 January 2027. These changes mark a significant evolution in the leadership of one of its core functions.

A New Chapter for Britt Pickering

After more than 22 years with the Club, including 14 years as Director of Claims & Legal, Britt Pickering will transition to the role of Claims & Legal Consultant from January 2027.

Since joining the Club in 2003, Britt has played a pivotal role in shaping the Club's Claims function, establishing the structures, relationships and standards that underpin the Club’s service today. Her leadership and expertise have made a lasting contribution to the Club, and we are delighted that she will continue to support the business in an advisory capacity.

Ben Harris Appointed Director of Claims

Ben Harris will succeed Britt as Director of Claims and will join the management board.

Ben has worked with the Club since 2001 and qualified as a solicitor with the Club in 2008. Over more than two decades he has held a number of senior claims roles, including leading the Claims team in Vancouver before returning to London, where he has held his current leadership position since 2013.

Ben is also widely recognised within the wider P&I community, having served as Chair of the International Group Salvage Committee for the past five years. His extensive claims experience, leadership and industry standing make him ideally placed to lead the Club's Claims function into its next chapter.

Nathaniel Harding Promoted to Head of Claims – London Branch

Nathaniel Harding has been promoted to Head of Claims – London Branch, where he will lead the Club's London Claims operation, including its Greek office.

Nathaniel joined the Club in 2014 and has held a succession of increasingly senior roles across the Claims function, most recently as joint Head of Claims – Europe & Africa. A qualified solicitor, he has developed broad experience across the Club's claims operations, including complex casualty work and support for the Club's yacht portfolio.

His leadership, technical expertise and commitment to Member service have made him a highly respected member of the Claims team.

Alex McCooke Promoted to Head of Offshore – Claims & Contracts

Alex McCooke has been appointed Head of Offshore – Claims & Contracts, a newly defined role bringing together the Club's offshore claims and contract expertise.

Having been with the Club for almost 16 years, Alex is recognised internationally for his expertise in offshore claims and contracts. A qualified lawyer, he was among the first in the industry to obtain the P&IQ qualification, previously chaired the International Group's Education Committee for six years and currently serves on the BIMCO Drafting Committee.

Looking Ahead

These appointments demonstrate the Club's commitment to developing and retaining exceptional talent while ensuring continuity of leadership across one of its core functions.

Commenting on the appointments, Marcus Tarrant, CEO of the Shipowners’ Club, said:

"These appointments reflect the exceptional depth of talent within our Claims team and our commitment to providing the highest standards of service to our Members. We are immensely grateful to Britt for her outstanding leadership and delighted that she will continue to support the Club in her new advisory role. Ben, Nathaniel and Alex each bring considerable expertise, experience and leadership to their new positions, and we look forward to the continued success of the Claims function under their stewardship."


ENDS

Notes for editors

The Shipowners’ Club is a mutual marine liability insurer, providing Protection and Indemnity insurance for small and specialist vessels since 1855. The Club is a member of the International Group of P&I Clubs and works with more than 700 brokers globally to insure over 35,000 vessels across a range of operating sectors and geographical areas.

Media contact

Ellie Bailey
The Shipowners’ Club
T: +44 20 7423 7145
E: ellie.bailey@shipownersclub.com
W: www.shipownersclub.com

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