Skuld launches operation in Singapore

staff to the claims section will be recruited locally and from the Skuld network. Office supportfunctions will be recruited locally. The office will be located in the middle of Singapore’sbusiness centre on Six Battery Road.Douglas Jacobsohn, chief executive of Skuld, said: “We have had a growth of around 15% inAsia the past few years and I have complete confidence that with Kjell back on the team andwith Greg fronting the offshore all backed up by Christian on the important claims service side,we will see a significant strengthening of our presence and genuine opportunities for furthergrowth – not least because of the strength of Skuld and the range of our products.“Kjell has been working in Hong Kong since 2005 as a marine underwriter and has gained avast network and knowledge, and I’m delighted that we’ve persuaded him to return to Skuld.His background fits very well with our plan to continue to develop and build our presence inthis market.“Asian markets are growing rapidly, with a number of shipowners, charterers and offshoreoperators expanding their presence and operations in the region. Skuld has been operatingfrom Hong Kong the past 23 years and with the growth of local markets there is a need formore manpower. Looking at the new-building programme for Asian owners we have to bemore integrated in the market and to provide local owners with Skuld’s renowned service.With our straight ‘A’ rating and as the only Club with nine consecutive years of profit we seeourselves as the most reliable business partner in the market.”“Skuld’s extended presence in Asia will also enhance our specialist offshore service, buildingon our strong existing portfolio of offshore business and close relationships with contractors.”The regulatory authorities in Singapore are prepared to authorise the establishment of abranch office subject to certain formal requirements being met.Skuld launched a Lloyd’s Syndicate, Skuld 1897, in January 2011, to expand the productrange for Skuld’s members and clients, as well as to diversify into an expanded marinemarket. Skuld P&I and Skuld 1897 work closely together where Skuld P&I provides the claimsservice for the Syndicate.Skuld writes annual premiums in excess of US$300m. The P&I tonnage is 72 mGT withadditional charter and offshore tonnage. Skuld was upgraded to a straight “A rating” withstable outlook by Standard & Poor’s in June this year. Skuld has nine consecutive years oftechnical underwriting profit.*****SKULD, P.O.BOX 1376 VIKA, NO-0114 OSLO/TEL +47 22 00 22 00 FAX +47 22 42 42 22 /E-MAIL OSL@SKULD.COM