Global Marine Insurance Premiums Reach 42.6 Billion

The International Union of Marine Insurance reports a 5.5 percent increase in global marine insurance premiums for 2025.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Insurance

Isometric editorial illustration of a lone steel cargo shipping container suspended from a crane hook, representing global shipping risk.
Global marine insurance premiums climbed 5.5 percent to USD 42.6 billion in 2025, buoyed by significant cargo and hull sector performance. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Global marine insurance premiums rose to USD 42.6 billion in 2025, marking a 5.5 percent increase over the previous year. This growth was driven largely by strong performances in the marine cargo and ocean hull insurance sectors.

Why it matters

The rise in premiums reflects broader trends in seaborne trade and fluctuating commodity prices. Meanwhile, the marine industry continues to track long-term loss data to better manage future risks in an evolving global economy.

Marine cargo premiums grew 6.9 percent to USD 24.2 billion, while ocean hull premiums rose 9.4 percent to USD 10.5 billion. Offshore energy premiums saw a marginal 0.1 percent increase to USD 4.82 billion, with London maintaining a 62.7 percent market share.

The players

International Union of Marine Insurance

This is a global association representing marine insurers that provides industry statistics and professional advocacy.

The details

The industry report utilizes the Hull Inflation Index to track rising repair costs across global shipping. Data collection for the Major Claims Database now spans from 2013, capturing 7,200 cargo claims that resulted in USD 11.4 billion in cumulative losses.

Timeline

  1. 2013 marked the start of data collection for the Major Claims Database.

  2. 2024 serves as the baseline year for comparative insurance statistics.

  3. 2025 is the period covered by the latest global marine insurance premium data.

  4. October 27, 2026, is the release date of the IUMI 2026 Stats Report.

Market Dynamics

The IUMI Major Claims Database provides a necessary historical framework for evaluating insurance risks relative to past maritime incidents. This data helps underwriters reconcile modern premium growth with long-term loss cycles in the global shipping sector.

The upward trend in premiums may influence commercial shipping costs and the profitability of large-scale maritime assets. Investors should note that soft market conditions in offshore energy sectors currently limit premium growth despite broader economic expansion.

The takeaway

The sustained increase in marine insurance premiums highlights the industry's response to fluctuating global trade and rising asset values. Stakeholders should monitor geopolitical developments closely, as they remain a key variable for future offshore energy investment.

Further reading

For more information on market trends, visit the Insurance section.

More information

Review the full IUMI 2026 statistics report on the official association portal.

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