First international marine mutual to establish representative presence in mainland China with expanded operational capabilities
The London P&I Club today announced the opening of its new Representative Office in Shanghai, located in the city’s dynamic Pudong district - designated by the Chinese central government as a Free Trade Zone (FTZ) and a focal point for developing international shipping and insurance services.
The move marks a significant milestone for The London P&I Club, which becomes the first international marine mutual within the International Group of P&I Clubs (IGP&I) to establish a Representative Office (RO) presence in mainland China. The representative office builds on the Club’s support to Chinese shipowners and operators, which it has served through an agreement with the Peoples Insurance Company of China (PICC) since 2015, and expands the services the Club is able to offer Chinese vessel owners and operators.
The establishment of a permanent representative presence in China underlines the Club’s commitment to providing accessible, locally focused service and support. The Shanghai Representative Office will act as a direct liaison point for Members, brokers, and partners across China. The office will support the Club’s delivery of services across claims, loss prevention, and technical issues, and will help facilitate training and knowledge-sharing initiatives for the local maritime community.
The office will be led by Wenjie Gao, General Manager, who has extensive experience in the Chinese shipping and marine insurance sectors, supported by a dedicated local team with backgrounds in claims handling, technical operations, and business development. The office will also work closely with the Club’s Hong-Kong team and its regional correspondents to ensure coordinated service delivery and timely assistance for Members across the region. Today, vessels owned or operated in Asia represent 62% of the Club’s global entered tonnage.
To celebrate the launch, an official opening ceremony was held in Pudong, attended by representatives of the Pudong Administration, the Club’s Board of Directors, and senior management.
Chairman of the London P&I Club, John Lyras, commented:
"Pudong's forward looking policy, open commercial environment and commitment to innovation gives opportunities to international organisations like us to take part in such an engaging and vibrant ecosystem. From London P&I Club's perspective, it is a strategic move to set up an office in Shanghai and a reflection of the Club's long-term commitment to Asia."
James Bean, Chief Executive of The London P&I Club, added:
“China has become one of the most important centres of global shipping, and our Members’ business interests here have grown steadily over the past two decades. Establishing a representative office in Shanghai’s Pudong district – at the heart of China’s new Free Trade Zone – demonstrates our commitment to being closer to our Members and partners, and to supporting their needs within this key maritime and financial hub.”
by The London P&I Club
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