QBE launches marine insurance in the Netherlands

International business insurer QBE has hired marine insurance expert Paul Peerdeman to launch its marine products in the Netherlands.

Paul has more than 35 years of insurance experience, including with setting up marine practices. His most recent position was as head of marine at ERGO Netherlands. Paul started his career as a broker for Aon, then became an underwriter at HDI Gerling and a manager at Chubb. Back at Aon as a director, he moved to Allianz for further leadership roles.

Paul joins QBE Netherlands as head of marine underwriting from 1 August. Based in Amsterdam, he is tasked with rolling out the Marine Cargo and Fine Art & Specie products, which are already live in France (since October 2022), the Nordics (April 2023) and Germany (November 2023).

QBE’s marine insurance product covers domestic and international trade for customers who want to be serviced locally. The Netherlands’ cargo market is one of the oldest and most relevant marine markets.

Paul reports to Tania Bensoussan-Arthur, QBE’s marine practice lead – Europe, who comments: “We’re thrilled to have Paul on board. He is highly skilled and well known in the Dutch market, so we’re delighted he’s going to help us launch our marine products in the Netherlands. As international trade is facing increasingly complex challenges, our customers want global expertise combined with local knowledge – and that’s what our European team are keen on delivering.”

Sebastiaan Lambalk, QBE Netherlands general manager, adds: “We’re excited to welcome Paul. Our Dutch branch opened two years and a half ago and keeps expanding its product offering. While transport is often an international activity, many businesses prefer to be serviced in the country where they are based, and we are glad to deliver this for our customers. With the addition of marine to our product offering, we are now able to service clients and brokers in all key lines of businesses.”