Interlloyd Averij, one of a kind
Interlloyd Averij, the oldest Lloyd’s Agent in the world, is operating in the international marine insurance market for more than 200 years.
Together with sister company Beeckman De Vos in Antwerp, Interlloyd Averij forms a strong, experienced and dynamic partner for the marine insurance market in the Gateway to Europe (Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Antwerp). From their offices a highly skilled team of professional Survey, Claim & Recovery Specialists are ready to serve their customers. How? We take a look inside the company with Bert Riessen, Director at Interlloyd Averij.
“More than 30 years ago, I started my journey as a junior surveyor at the company. Step by step learning the trade of this dynamic business.” Bert van Riessen tells. “Now all those years later I am, together with Huib Staal, the proud Director of this historical company. Besides the management and networking tasks, as Directors, Huib and I also have an operational role. “Bert explains: “Huib is taking care of our
instructions abroad, by assigning surveyors worldwide. He monitors and supports their work in the field with the aim to deliver our principals a survey report that fulfills to their demands. These demands are not always so obvious for surveyors in some parts of the world, often due to cultural differences.
Company Values in the day- to day business
“In our day to day business we focus and always rely on the key values of our company;
Integrity, Service, Excellence, Commitment and last bot certainly not least:
Connection. Being well connected with your principal makes it easier to understand how to satisfy them. For example, in the way of communication, or style of reporting. Knowing the demands of your business partner can make the difference! Stay connected, also with your colleagues, in order to understand each other, for a better team performance and a pleasant work environment. An extra challenge in these days! All this is what makes us one of a kind. And what will keep us focused for the years to come. I therefore foresee a long and great future for us.”
"I cannot remember we have ever said ‘No’ to a new survey assignment"
In focusing on our values we for example work with a very diverse team of
cargo marine surveyors, who are capable to handle losses from small to complex cases in the whole range of our playfield (cargo, logistic liability,
Hull & Machinery, P&I, Technical and
Project Cargo matters). Our strength is that, apart from our own staff surveyors, we work with a
shell of specialists in all areas. This enables us to accept all assignments, no matter the complexity or how busy we are. I cannot remember we have ever said ‘No’ to a new survey assignment.
Furthermore, we offer a wealth of experience in the field of
Claims Settling and
Recovery. Talking about
connection, our recovery specialists work closely with our surveyors, already during the survey process, which is for the benefit of the recovery result. The role of the cargo marine surveyor is not only to investigate the cause of the damage but also to make recommendations to
avoid damages in the future.
Trends?
When asked which trends can be recognized nowadays, Bert explains: “The pressure on logistic service providers increases tremendously.
Faster,
cheaper and the use of
electronical data traffic. This will all lead to saving costs for the supplier, but it will also
increase the risks. If a supplier wants the best service for the cheapest price, there is a serious risk that a logistic service provider will accept the demands without being able (or willing) to meet them.
For example, he will use a tilt instead of a more expensive box trailer, or he will ship electronics as consolidated cargo instead of as direct freight. Regarding the risk of electronic data traffic: as an example, electronically supplied pin codes for collecting containers from terminals can be
hacked or leaked, with theft as a consequence.”
Again, the role of the
surveyor is (therefore) not only to investigate the cause of the damage but also to make recommendations to avoid damages in the future.
Some interesting cases
It may be obvious that the cases that are handled by Interlloyd are not just the average cases. Over the years Bert has experienced at first hand that the world of a surveyor is full of surprises and interesting situations. He explains:” During a theft investigation, I once found myself in a rather peculiar situation in Eastern Europe. In this particular case it was impossible for me to receive any useful information from the police and authorities. The power of the claimant, who was an entrepreneur with national fame, became very clear that night. He went to the police by himself to ask for the required information. With his reputation, he got the information I needed and together with his security team he came to deliver this to me in a restaurant that night, not in the last place to the big surprise of the waiters and other visitors. It was a special experience I will never forget.”
Another extraordinary case. Bert tells: “Our oldest and still pending file is the one of the
HMS LUTINE. This frigate sunk for the Dutch coast near Terschelling in 1799. She transported
gold, insured for a substantial amount at Lloyds in London. Ever since, attempts are being made to localize and salvage the gold. With Lloyds being the rightful owners, this may only happen under strict conditions and supervision of the Lloyd’s Agent:
Interlloyd Averij! By the way, the bell of the Lutine was found long ago and is installed in the Lloyds building in London. In the old days, the bell was rung if a vessel had sunk somewhere in the world, as a sign of another loss and catastrophy."
The future
According to Bert: "All these aspects make Interlloyd Averij a special and great place to work. Together with our team, I look forward to the future and to the next surprising cases. Ready to serve the market for the next 200 years!"
