True cost of maritime piracy is still uncertain

11 October 2010

Despite attacks by Somali pirates on international shipping in the Gulf of Aden making headlines across the world, the true cost of these attacks to the maritime insurance industry are still uncertain, according to a new report published by the Actuarial Profession.

The report, which will be unveiled at the Profession’s General Insurance Research Organisation (GIRO) conference in October, will argue that the scarcity of statistics on maritime piracy make the estimation of risk difficult.

Neil Hilary, a staff actuary with the Profession and one of the authors of the report, explained: “Piracy attacks have been on the increase in the last 15 years. But, since 2006, the level of attacks has increased by an average of 125%. And this is almost entirely due to the attacks by Somali pirates.

“However, the challenge to the actuaries involved in pricing maritime insurance products is considerable. Firstly, actuaries are used to working with statistics which number thousands and tens of thousands. Despite the increase in piracy attacks, the numbers are still relatively small. And secondly, the information about the attacks issued by shipping owners is often vague. Understandably, shipping owners don’t wish to encourage further acts of piracy, but without knowing the full details we cannot come up with the true cost.”

He added: “The authors of the report have been able to come up with an estimated cost of around $9m (£5,686,159) for each attack using publicly available data at the time and, with a success rate of 6 per mill, this produces a kidnap and ransom rate of around $57,000 (£36,008) per vessel using the Suez canal. But this is based on judgement, not on strict modelling. So, without accurate figures, uncertainty will remain – future costs may be significantly different.”

Ends

Enquiries:

For more information or a copy of the report, contact Michael Scanlan on +44 (0)20 7632 1453 / +44 (0)7798 804 871 or email michael.scanlan@actuaries.org.uk

Notes to Editors:

Actuaries provide commercial, financial and prudential advice on the management of a business’s assets and liabilities, especially where long term management and planning are critical to the success of any business venture. They also advise individuals, and advise on social and public interest issues.
The Profession is governed by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. A rigorous examination system is supported by a programme of continuing professional development and a professional code of conduct supports high standards reflecting the significant role of the Profession in society.
Members of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries have a statutory role in the supervision of pension funds and life insurance companies. They also have a statutory role to provide actuarial opinions for managing agents at Lloyd’s.
The Profession is available to provide expert comment to the media on a range of actuarial- related issues, including enterprise risk management, finance and investment, general insurance, health and care, life assurance, mortality, and pensions.

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