Pen Underwriting expands marine war underwriting expertise with new hire into Vessel Protect
Published On : 06 Jul 2026
Pen Underwriting, the multi-class multi-territory managing general agent (MGA), has appointed Kane Bryant into its marine war risk insurance specialist Vessel Protect as War Underwriter.
Bringing significant underwriting experience and an established specialism in marine war risks, Kane joins from Amphitrite Underwriting where he focused on underwriting marine hull & war. Prior to that he was at MS Amlin and Travelers, underwriting across a wider marine portfolio, including marine cargo and yachts as well as war.
Working closely with Vessel Protect’s team of dedicated marine war underwriters to offer comprehensive and bespoke coverage for single vessels or large multi-national fleets, Kane will add specialist capability at a time of high demand in this an ever-changing market.
Tom Batterbury, Managing Director of Freeboard Maritime and Vessel Protect, which form part of Pen Underwriting’s specialist marine practice, said:
“We’re excited to welcome Kane to the Vessel Protect team as a war underwriter. His technical expertise, market insight and collaborative approach make him a great addition to the business. Kane will play an important role in strengthening our proposition and supporting our clients.
“With the marine war risks market still dominated by geopolitical volatility, highly dynamic pricing and the need for transit-by-transit risk assessment, our focus remains on providing brokers and their clients with quick enquiry turnaround, rapid exposure assessment, bespoke underwriting and consistency of cover. Adding Kane to the team will ensure Vessel Protect continues to differentiate itself on service as well as product in what is a complex and changeable environment.”
Kane Bryant added: “What appealed to me most about Vessel Protect was its position as a market leader with a well-established and proven book of marine war business. The opportunity to work alongside a highly experienced team of underwriters makes it an excellent environment in which to contribute and add long-term value.”
Backed by Lloyd’s capacity, Vessel Protect can offer war risk cover of up to USD 250 million for any one vessel as well as cargo war coverage limits of up to USD 100 million. Believed to be among the largest limits on offer within the marine war market globally, these limits help ensure vessels of significant value and the most modern fleets needing to transit the most active conflict zones can obtain appropriate cover.
Kane’s appointment forms part of Pen Underwriting’s ongoing investment into its fast-growing marine practice, with Hayley Robbins announced last month as a new underwriter into its specialist marine trades business, Trafalgar Marine Trades. This month also sees Dolores Mirmi join its international ports and terminals specialism as underwriter, which goes to market as BMM P&T Ltd, a trading name of Pen Underwriting Limited.
