Rising defence budgets across Europe are driving a significant surge in naval vessel construction, creating complex exposures across both hull & machinery (H&M) and P&I liability lines. This session examines how programmes involving frigates, submarines, amphibious vessels and auxiliary support ships are reshaping the marine risk landscape.

This workshop will explore H&M risks associated with complex designs, advanced propulsion and weapon systems, proprietary technology and high-value equipment losses, alongside P&I liabilities including crew injury, third-party damage, environmental exposures and contractual obligations during construction and post-delivery operations. Emerging cybersecurity threats and operational challenges such as testing incidents, delays and technical failures will also be addressed.

The session will consider whether current hull, construction and liability capacity is sufficient to support this growth, how policies can be effectively priced and structured in this technically and politically sensitive sector, and practical strategies for risk managers to plan, mitigate exposures and secure comprehensive coverage across both physical and liability risks in naval construction programmes.