Regional Insurance Broker
Partner of the Davis Cup 2024
Partner of the Davis Cup 2024
The physical demands of life at sea have been well recognised for many years, but only relatively recently has the industry begun to seriously address the mental health challenges faced by seafarers. While physical safety remains a top priority, the wellbeing of maritime crews increasingly considers the health of both the body and mind.
Challenges to wellbeing
Seafarers work in extremely challenging environments: confined living quarters, physically taxing labour, and long periods of separation from loved ones. While physical wellness is rightly commonly addressed, the emotional and mental toll of life at sea has often been overlooked.
Stress, disrupted sleep, and a high stakes role can wear down mental resilience. And for many, this is often compounded by feelings of loneliness.
Crew members can feel both overwhelmed and isolated. After spending months away from family and friends, deep loneliness and a sense of disconnection is common amongst seafarers. Alongside this, crew also have limited privacy due to shared accommodation, and deal with constant high risk, and high stakes situations. This confined and pressurising lifestyle can lead to high levels of anxiety, which in turn affects not just performance, but also the physical health and wellbeing of crew.
Creating a Culture of Care
Improving crew wellness starts with fostering a positive and inclusive team atmosphere where every crew member feels valued and safe. Open communication around mental health should be encouraged, and there must be channels in place for crew members to speak openly without stigma.
Special attention should be given to minority crew members by providing access to tailored support services. Minority crew members may also need specialised communication forms and separate spaces for privacy for cultural or religious practices.
Training programs focused on mental health awareness can equip crews to better recognize and respond to emotional distress among colleagues. Dedicated wellness officers, either onboard or on the shore, can also help monitor mental health, preventing causal issues rather than simply treating present symptoms.
Developing comprehensive wellness programs that promote good sleep, balanced nutrition, hydration, and regular exercise is another essential step, as physical and mental wellbeing are deeply linked.
Charities and Industry Commitments
Organisations like the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) play a key role in driving positive change. ISWAN offers free helplines, financial support, and educational resources for crew and their families. They work to promote health, safety, and long-term wellbeing for all maritime crew members.
Furthermore, Crew Welfare Week grants an opportunity for the industry to come together and prioritise its workers wellbeing, both physical and mental. Each June, the sector celebrates the dedication of seafarers and reaffirm the industry’s commitment to their care.
The maritime industry is undergoing a significant transformation, as it integrates advanced technologies which allow ships to navigate and operate with minimal human intervention. In less than a year, IMO will finalise the non-mandatory MASS (Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships) Code, to ensure that regulations adapt to protect lives at sea, as autonomous shipping technology continues to advance. The updated regulation, coming into effect May 2026, will reflect the rapidly developing autonomous marine space, and will be sure to affect insurance policies, as it calculates the potential benefits and risks of these automated systems.
This shift not only enhances operational efficiency but also addresses longstanding challenges in the sector.
Navigation and Operational Efficiency
Autonomous vessels streamline maritime operations significantly; by reducing the reliance on human crews, ships can operate continuously without rest periods, leading to faster and more reliable deliveries. Technology can also assess which ports have the least traffic and which routes will involve minimal disruption.
Navigation is optimised through AI route plotting, as technology finds the most efficient route, using weather, tide, and political stability predictions. The technology can react to real-time updates and reroute based on live information. These optimised routes not only reduce shipping time, but also result in significantly less fuel consumption, which has economic and environmental benefits.
Autonomous shipping can reportedly reduce operational costs by up to 20%, and fuel consumption by 30%, just through increasing route efficiency.
Reduced Fuel consumption and emissions
The environmental impact of reduced emissions is a secondary but undeniably welcome benefit to autonomous shipping. Ahead of the IMO target to reduce fossil fuel usage by 50% by 2050, this emission reduction will not only reduce operational costs, but also will help the marine industry reduce their carbon emissions. The sector continues to experiment with new, greener fuel sources, but reducing fuel usage before 2050 will have obvious environmental benefits.
Improving Safety and Reducing Human Error
Human error has historically been a significant factor in maritime accidents: human error currently accounts for 75% of marine shipping incidents, but through autonomous shipping, these accidents could be reduced to only 40%, as humans will still be ‘in the loop’. By leveraging autonomous technologies, such as advanced sensors and real-time data analysis, autonomous ships can detect and respond to hazards more effectively than traditional vessels.
Revolutionising Marine Insurance
Traditional insurance models are adapting to address new risks associated with autonomous operations, such as cyber security and technical failures. Insurers are developing policies that cover these emerging risks, ensuring that the industry remains resilient in the face of technological advancement.
Looking Ahead
Developments in autonomous shipping will redefine the maritime industry’s landscape. There is certainly potential for future challenges, with the fear of technological failure, and the growing debate of how to mitigate AI error. However, the improvements in efficiency, safety, and environmental impact are substantial. By embracing these innovations, the maritime sector is equipping itself to navigate a more streamlined and sustainable future.
With the International Maritime Organization (IMO) aiming for a 20% reduction in shipping carbon emissions by 2030, the maritime industry faces significant challenges and opportunities. It’s estimated that shipping could represent around 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, so decarbonising has become a particular focus for the industry.
While the IMO is currently aiming for a 20% reduction in shipping carbon emissions by 2030, its ultimate aim is to hit net zero by 2050. These targets will force the sector to reconsider shipping methods and fuel types, and have ignited greater debate towards a greener maritime industry.
Current Efforts and Initiatives
One major effort made to reduce carbon emissions, was the European Union’s FuelEU Maritime Regulation, introduced 1st January, 2025. It calls for the gradual decrease in the greenhouse gas intensity of fuels used by larger ships stopping at EU ports. Its aim is to reduce the use of greenhouse gases by 80% by 2050.
Additionally, ‘green shipping corridors’ are specific trade routes between ports, prioritising low to zero-emission vessels. They have become increasingly popular in efforts to reduce carbon emissions, and have subsequently encouraged a greater investment in cleaner shipping practices and alternative fuel sources.
Perhaps most significantly, in a landmark decision, the IMO approved a global carbon levy on shipping emissions which will be introduced in 2027. This levy imposes a $100 fee per tonne of CO₂ emitted beyond set thresholds, aiming to encourage organisations to find alternative fuels, and prioritise green shipping.
Challenges Ahead
Transitioning to alternative fuels like ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen presents technical and economic challenges as they are less widely used, and therefore may have safety implications. Until these alternative fuels become standardised, there is also an issue of availability, as ports must be able to supply the correct fuel for ships to refuel.
The United States also recently changed their stance on decarbonising shipping, which has also introduced uncertainties internationally. Their withdrawal from global climate negotiations and opposition to measures like the IMO’s carbon levy could affect international commitments to decarbonisation policies.
Outlook Toward 2030
While there have been many efforts made to reduce carbon emissions in shipping, path to achieving the IMO’s target to reduce emissions by 20% by 2030 proves challenging. The industry has introduced successful regulations such as FuelEU Maritime, and its projects such as green corridors and a carbon levy have had positive impacts in renewing investment in greener shipping fuels and techniques. However, technical and economic challenges still pose barriers to progress. Furthermore, until there is an international commitment to a greener approach to the maritime shipping industry, it is difficult to enact large scale change.
Until alternative ‘greener’ fuels become standardised and stocked globally, it will be difficult for ships to run exclusively on decarbonised alternatives. However, the industry has already made large steps towards reducing its emissions, and even if the IMO target is not achieved, there have still been huge advances in emission reductions.
As the industry navigates these complexities, the next five years will be instrumental in determining the effectiveness of global efforts to decarbonise maritime shipping and meet the IMO’s ambitious targets.
ATL is delighted to announce that it will be sponsoring the 2024 Davis Cup Finals Group Stage, taking place between 10th-15th September at Font de Sant Lluís, Valencia, as well as the Final 8 knockout stage at Palacio de Deportes Martin Carpena in Malaga, between 19th-24th November.
This year, a record 157 nations have entered the Davis Cup, making it the world’s largest annual international team competition in sport. The 12 winners of the Davis Cup Qualifiers played in February this year – Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czechia, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Slovakia and USA – will join 2023 finalists (Australia and Italy) and the two wild cards (Great Britain and Spain) in the 16-team Finals Group Stage in September.
Iñaki Bandres, CEO at ATL, commented: “We’re very proud to be Regional Insurance Broker Partner of the 2024 Davis Cup and to be at the heart of one of the biggest sporting events in the world. We wish everyone taking part, including our sponsored athlete, Thanasi Kokkinakis, the best of luck at this year’s competition.”
In a time of unprecedented challenges and risks, the insurance industry is evolving at a rapid pace to meet the dynamic needs of consumers. At the forefront of this transformation is ATL, a leading broker of commercial insurance solutions, eager to broaden its offerings with its global expansion into the reinsurance market. The strategic move marks a new era of innovation in the face of emerging risks.
The launch of ATL RE and its new Miami hub reflects the broker’s commitment to navigating new territories, fostering collaboration, and adapting to a changing risk landscape on a larger scale.
Diversification of Risk Portfolio
ATL’s reinsurance arm will enable the company to diversify its risk portfolio, allowing it to spread its capabilities across a broader spectrum of geographies and industries. While maintaining a strong focus on marine risks, ATL now extends its expertise to a broader spectrum of reinsurance products, including Financial Lines, Property and Energy, Construction, Accident and Health, Treaty, and Marine, across several key Latin American markets, including Mexico, Ecuador, Argentina, Uruguay, Peru, and Bolivia.
By tapping into previously untapped regions, ATL aims to bring its expertise to areas that are facing unique challenges. Overseeing ATL RE, the company has appointed José Astorqui, former CEO and CCO of BMS Group Latin America and Caribbean, as Partner and CEO of ATL RE. He has a renowned track record of driving growth at some of the largest insurance brokers and providers in the world. Andrew Hye, former Head of Treaty and Energy at Summa Brickell, has also joined the leadership team as Executive Director and Partner. Andrew has extensive experience in the international insurance and reinsurance industry. These appointments are the first of several as ATL RE continues to add internationally recognised expertise to its team.
To heighten ATL’s global expansion, the broker is bringing together distinguished experts from across the global insurance and reinsurance industry, with specialist knowledge of multiple markets in order to provide innovative risk solutions.
Adapting to a changing world
The insurance industry is undergoing rapid transformation, and ATL seeks to stay ahead by understanding and catering to the evolving needs of customers in different markets. By offering a comprehensive suite of products, ATL is poised to cater to the intricate risk management needs of clients on a global scale. This move is not just about expanding services but ensuring that ATL becomes a one-stop solution for diverse risk challenges.
ATL aims to become a more versatile partner for clients as it embraces growth opportunities internationally.
The expansion is driven by a commitment to effectively navigate emerging risks, technological advancements, and shifts in customer expectations. By broadening its reach, ATL seeks to stay ahead of industry trends. This move reflects ATL’s forward-thinking approach and dedication to being at the forefront of innovation. By venturing beyond its traditional boundaries, ATL aims to carve a dynamic and influential presence in the global insurance arena, marking a transformative phase for the company.
As reported by Insurance Day, The Insurer, Insurance Insider, Reinsurance News and AM Best.
Following the recent opening of its Miami office, ATL RE, a newly-launched reinsurance broker serving the Latin America and the Caribbean markets, has bolstered its leadership team, appointing Marcelo Podawacz as Director and Head of Property.
Marcelo brings with him over 30 years’ experience in the global insurance and reinsurance sectors, having spent much of this time specialising in the Latin American market. Marcelo joins from Ardonagh Group (formerly Ed. Miami), where he was a Technical Account Manager within its Property & Casualty reinsurance division, based in Miami. Prior to this, Marcelo was a Director at America Premium Re Solutions, where he was responsible for driving business growth across South America.
Marcelo’s joins ATL RE’s internationally-recognised leadership team following the recent appointments of José Astorqui as Partner and CEO and Andrew Hye as Partner and Executive Director.
Via its Miami hub, ATL RE offers a comprehensive range of commercial reinsurance products including Financial Lines, Property and Energy, Construction, Accident and Health, Treaty and Marine, across a number of key Latin American markets, including Mexico, Ecuador, Argentina, Uruguay, Peru and Bolivia.
Iñaki Bandres, CEO at ATL and Chairman at ATL RE, commented: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Marcelo to the growing ATL RE leadership team. His experience and in-depth knowledge of the Latin America and Carribean markets will be invaluable in driving ATL RE’s growth across the region.”
Marcelo Podawacz, Director and Head of Property at ATL RE, added: “I’m excited to be joining such a distinguished and ambitious team at ATL RE. Together, I have no doubt that we can provide our clients with a first-class service that is synonymous with ATL’s wider reputation around the world.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
About ATL
ATL Marine & Energy is a fully accredited Lloyd’s broker, specialising in all forms of commercial insurance. Established in January 2014, we are a young, dynamic and independent business owned by our directors and staff. Our prime objectives are to provide our clients with a distinctive personal service, technically sound advice and tailor-made insurance products to meet their specific needs and requirements. Although a youthful business, our directors and senior staff have spent their careers in the commercial insurance sector where they have acquired a wealth of experience and expertise.
ATL is an international business with fully staffed offices in London, Madrid and Miami with clientele that range from Latin America to the Far East. Our principals are multi-lingual, and we place insurance worldwide into the London and International insurance markets.
As reported by Reinsurance News, Reinsurance Business, The Insurer, Insurance Day, Insurance Insider, Intelligent Insurer, AM Best, Business Insurance
ATL, a leading broker of commercial insurance solutions, has expanded its global presence with the launch of ATL RE, an independent reinsurance broker serving the Latin America and the Caribbean markets via its new Miami office.
Through the new Miami hub, ATL RE will offer a comprehensive range of commercial reinsurance products including Financial Lines, Property and Energy, Construction, Accident and Health, Treaty and Marine, across a number of key Latin American markets, including Mexico, Ecuador, Argentina, Uruguay, Peru and Bolivia.
To oversee ATL RE’s continued growth in this region, the company has appointed José Astorqui, former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of BMS Group Latin America and Caribbean, as Partner and CEO of ATL RE. José has a renowned track record of driving growth at some of the largest insurance brokers and providers in the world, having previously held the positions of CEO at Lions Gate Latin America and Caribbean, and Managing Director Latin America at Howden Insurance Brokers.
Joining José as part of ATL RE’s leadership team will also be Andrew Hye in the role of Partner and Executive Director, who joins from Summa Brickell where he was Head of Treaty and Energy, heading up the development of the business’ local network in the region. With over 40 years of experience in the international insurance and reinsurance industry, Andrew has also held leadership roles at BMS, Guy Carpenter and Aon.
José and Andrew’s appointments are the first of several to be announced in the coming months as ATL RE continues to add internationally-recognised expertise to its team.
Iñaki Bandres, CEO at ATL and Chairman at ATL RE, commented:
“We are delighted to announce the launch of ATL RE in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the appointments of José and Andrew to the leadership team. By bringing together some of the most distinguished experts from across the global insurance and reinsurance industry, with specialist knowledge of Latin America and the Caribbean markets, we’re able to expand our footprint further and provide our clients with a first-class service wherever they trade.”
José Astorqui, CEO at ATL RE, added:
“I’m excited to be joining ATL RE and to oversee its growth into Latin America and the Caribbean; markets I have grown to know very well throughout my career. With the expertise already within the business, as well as incoming appointments, I’m very confident that we will be able to provide an unbeatable service to customers in the region.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
About ATL
ATL Marine & Energy is a fully accredited Lloyd’s broker, specialising in all forms of commercial insurance. Established in January 2014, we are a young, dynamic and independent business owned by our directors and staff. Our prime objectives are to provide our clients with a distinctive personal service, technically sound advice and tailor-made insurance products to meet their specific needs and requirements. Although a youthful business, our directors and senior staff have spent their careers in the commercial insurance sector where they have acquired a wealth of experience and expertise.
ATL is an international business with fully staffed offices in London, Madrid and Miami with clientele that range from Latin America to the Far East. Our principals are multi-lingual, and we place insurance worldwide into the London and International insurance markets.
