Insurance scheme backing a revival of inland waterways

In the 21st century, Britain’s waterways are undergoing a revival, which means more boats need insurance. The Insurance Partnership and specialist shipping law firm Myton Law, who are both based in Hull, have been working with the national Commercial Boat Operators Association (CBOA) to provide a dedicated insurance scheme and standard conditions of carriage.

The UK’s waterways carried around 41.4m tonnes in 2009 by ship to inland ports. Manchester’s Tyndall Centre for Climate Change estimates that barges produce 25 per cent of the carbon gases that lorries emit. Myton Law’s John Habergham said: “Based on up-to-date law and, in particular, international conditions for the carriage of goods by sea, the new standard conditions of carriage will help to protect both CBOA members’ and cargo owners’ interests by establishing a fair balance between each of their responsibilities.”

The Insurance Partnership and Myton Law have been working with the CBOA for a year to arrive at the new insurance provision and conditions, which have been adopted by the CBOA. The CBOA is a trade association which publicises and promotes the development of freight traffic.

Pictured, from left, are CBOA member Sean Hewitt, John Habergham and David Hamilton of the Insurance Partnership.