08 July 2026 – NorthStandard has appointed Jonathan Oak as Senior War Underwriter, further strengthening its Hull & War team as geopolitical developments continue to reshape the risk landscape for global shipping.
Oak joins from the UK War Risks Club and brings extensive experience in war risks underwriting, including advising shipowners operating in complex and rapidly evolving threat environments. He will report to James Sutton, Head of Hull & War at NorthStandard.
This latest recruitment reflects NorthStandard’s continued investment in its Hull & War offering at a time of heightened uncertainty across global trade routes. The conflict in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, disruption to key trade routes and attacks on merchant shipping have reinforced the need for specialist war risks capability and responsive underwriting.
NorthStandard’s Hull & War team combines technical underwriting expertise with rapid decision-making and practical support for Members operating in higher-risk regions. Its ability to write 100% placements provides Members and brokers with a streamlined route to securing cover, backed by global reach and 24/7 claims service.
James Sutton, Head of Hull & War at NorthStandard, said: “Jonathan’s appointment augments our Hull & War expertise and demonstrates our commitment to providing Members with market-leading support. As a leading shipping insurer, our responsibility is to help brokers and Members navigate new and evolving challenges for global shipping. Jonathan will further enhance our responsiveness in trading conditions where circumstances change at short notice.”
Jonathan Oak added: “I am delighted to join NorthStandard at such an important time for the maritime industry. The Club has a strong reputation in Hull & War, and I look forward to working with colleagues, brokers and Members to continue developing our offering and delivering the high levels of service for which NorthStandard is recognised.”
About NorthStandard:
NorthStandard is one of the leading providers of global marine insurance products and services across the maritime industries. Established through the merger of North P&I Club and the Standard Club in February 2023 and ‘A’ rated by S&P Global, NorthStandard has premium revenues exceeding US$930 million, free reserves of over US$900 million and mutual pool tonnage surpassing 270 million GT.
From headquarters in the UK and with offices throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas, NorthStandard offers a unique blend of worldwide presence and class-leading expertise across multiple specialist areas, including P&I, FD&D, War Risks, Strike & Delay, Hull and Machinery and ancillary insurance. Its Sunderland Marine and Coastal & Inland divisions also provide cover for owners’ fixed premium P&I, fishing vessels, inland waterway and coastal trading vessels. NorthStandard’s comprehensive local market and sector knowledge is underpinned by continuous investments in market-leading digital technologies.
NorthStandard is a leading member of the International Group of P&I Clubs (IG) and is fully committed to upholding the shared objectives of its 12 independent member clubs, which provide liability cover for approximately 85% of the world’s ocean-going tonnage.
