Page 33: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (August 2025)

Identifying & Mitigating Risk on the Waterfront

AON STRENGTHENS ITS PRESENCE

IN THE VIRGINIA MARITIME HUB

Colonna’s Shipyard sits in Norfolk, VA, arguably one of market, we always strive to ensure our clients are getting the the biggest and strongest maritime hubs in the U.S. Earlier very best expertise — whether that’s marine, risk engineer- this year Aon expanded its U.S. footprint with the opening of ing, or specialized solutions — available anywhere at Aon.” a new of? ce in Richmond, Virginia, reinforcing its commit- ment to serving the insurance and risk management needs of Addressing Emerging Maritime Risks one of America’s most dynamic maritime regions. AON sees broad opportunity across all maritime sec-

Aon has long operated in the corridor from Fredericks- tors it serves, including tug and barge operators, traditional burg through Richmond to Tidewater, but service delivery shipping companies, shipyards, and marine terminals. But was historically coordinated from various of? ces outside the rapidly evolving regulatory and geopolitical landscape

Virginia. The new Richmond location centralizes brings new challenges.

these efforts and creates what the company “Current policy shifts are forcing clients describes as “a fully accountable, on-the- to adapt quickly,” said Andersen. “Tug ground team” said George Andersen, operators may need to repurpose ves-

US Marine Chief Broking Of? cer sels, cargo owners are seeking new to serve maritime and middle-mar- warehousing options, and unfamil- ket clients across the state. “Our iar ports with different risk pro? les new of? ce in Richmond allows are being utilized.” the opportunity to raise the local These changes, the company awareness of Aon and to coalesce noted, can elevate exposures, par- our service delivery and sales ef- ticularly around security, theft, and forts through teammates who are loss control, and demand proactive present in the market.” risk management.

The move also re? ects Aon’s in- One key focus is mitigating indirect tegration of NFP and Wealthspire, two and contingent exposures, from geo- middle-market risk and bene? ts brokers political trade disruptions to supply chain acquired in 2024. “The Virginia and Tidewater volatility. “At Aon, we’re uniquely positioned markets are brimming with businesses in this segment, to tackle this challenge through our Risk Capital struc- and our new local presence will clearly enhance our abil- ture,” Andersen explained. “Unlike many of our peers who ity to establish relationships and work more effectively with are con? ned by separate P&Ls, our model puts the client at these businesses,” said Tayloe Negus, Richmond / South- the center and enables true cross-sector innovation at scale ern Virginia Of? ce Leader. and speed.”

Building a Full-Service Team in a Maritime Hub Strengthening Ties to Virginia’s Maritime Industry

Aon’s Richmond/Southern Virginia of? ce opens with Richmond and the broader Tidewater area are vital hubs more than 20 colleagues representing commercial risk, for shipbuilding, terminal operations, and logistics, indus- health, wealth, and human capital solutions, growing to 40 tries that Aon believes will see sustained growth under new employees when including NFP and Wealthspire teams. federal priorities.

Notably, Denise Perlman, Aon’s newly appointed North “This investment re? ects our commitment to meeting cli-

American CEO for the middle-market segment, will also ents where they are,” Negus said. “The maritime sector is be based in Richmond. evolving rapidly, and our expanded presence ensures we can “We are full service out of the gate,” said Negus. “And deliver the insights, expertise, and solutions clients need to while we have incredible resources readily available in the navigate emerging risks and seize new opportunities.”

Image copyright josepperianes/AdobeStock www.marinelink.com 33

MR #8 (18-33).indd 33 MR #8 (18-33).indd 33 8/1/2025 5:31:21 PM8/1/2025 5:31:21 PM