Page 68: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (November 2019)

VOICES BORIANA FARRAR, VP, SENIOR CLAIMS EXECUTIVE & COUNSEL, AMERICAN P&I CLUB

Boriana enjoys giving back to the community which has sup- ported her throughout her ca- reer, pictured here with

Martin Davies, the head of the

Admiralty Law Center at her alma mater Tulane Law School, where she recently gave a pre- sentation to students.

we have prepared compendium for our to evolve rapidly, generally the global perspective, we have a very capable un- nowadays to being a good lawyer,” said members for some potential issues that regulatory issues and the insurance sec- derwriting department with formulas to Boriana. “The grace of the profession could arise,” said Boriana, noting a se- tor are considered to be the two biggest calculate risk, and part of that calculation seems to have gotten lost in some regard, ries of seminars and training made avail- hurdles to clear. involves the human element.” So when but being a good lawyer – or having a able throughout 2019 to help members “(Autonomy) is indeed a hot topic and the onboard human element is removed good lawyer – can make or break a com- prepare for potential disputes. “It is es- we’re talking about this all the time,” from the equation, the calculation will pany, a relationship, a deal or a life.” sential that we provide information as said Boriana. “It’s happening, it’s un- change dramatically, but Boriana has Her role today also focuses on the busi- due diligence for owners and their crews avoidable, and it’s the future.” While it is con? dence in her colleagues throughout ness development side, helping to ensure as to the new technology that is being still a fairly limited and exclusive num- the industry to adjust. “The insurance in- that her organization grows in step with installed, it an issue that everyone is fo- ber of early adopters, there is a growing dustry is a well-oiled machine, and it is an ever-changing industry. “I love being cused on.” reference list, particularly coming out also very adaptable. So if there is a prod- a rain maker, and my great-grandfather

While much focus and attention has of the innovative Nordic countries, that uct, we’ll ? nd insurance for it. Overall, was a trader at a very successful practice, been on the IMO2020 fuel rules, the are working toward autonomous vessel we are excited about it (autonomy). It’s so I guess that’s in my blood. Having a advent of autonomy and cyber risk has solutions for speci? c, local routes. “I the future.” commercial approach, developing busi- proven another hot topic within walls of don’t see trans-ocean journeys made by ness strategy and bringing in business is all maritime insurers. autonomous ships anytime soon, but that Full Speed Ahead something I have grown to love.”

While the technology to permit au- doesn’t mean that it won’t happen in the Boriana truly embodies the spirit of So when she looks back remembers tonomous operations has continued future,” she said. “From a risk evaluation participation, and it is easy to see that herself as the young girl who grew up she gets as much as she gives from be- in Socialist Bulgaria, ? nding her desire ing an active participant in the maritime to be a lawyer after watching “Kramer community. “I’ll allow myself to re- versus Kramer” and “Twelve Angry phrase a quote by Kennedy: ‘Don’t think Men”, moving to America and grow- what you can take from shipping, think ing and evolving to become a leading what you can contribute to it.’” maritime industry voice with an of? ce

While she no longer is a practicing in lower Manhattan overlooking the lawyer as she works in-house, she cred- Statue of Liberty and a global presence, its her legal background with providing a her advice and formula for success to solid foundation for future growth. all young people rings particularly true: “I want to talk about that a little bit be- “Work hard, keep trying and never give cause there is so little regard and respect up. Never give up.”

A G ROOD EAD “My favorite book of all time is The Old Man and the Sea,” said Boriana. “I think it symbolizes a lot what we deal with in life, and sometimes in the maritime industry. It is not, per se, connected to the economics of shipping. But coming from the perspective that the human spirit cannot be de- feated, but at the end of the day you cannot defeat the sea, is a philosophy that we shouldn’t forget in shipping. It is also something that, as a claims person dealing with casualties, we are reminded (too often). We have to love Mother Nature; we can’t defeat her.” 68 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • NOVEMBER 2019

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