UK P&I Club appoints new senior claims executive

Shipping specialist the UK P&I Club has appointed Tom Starr as a senior claims executive.

Starr will be based in the Thomas Miller London office. A solicitor and master mariner, he joins the UK P&I Club from Reed Smith, where he practised in dispute resolution in marine casualties and related contractual disputes, managing cases in court and in international arbitration.

He has investigated and handled a variety of marine incidents, including collisions, groundings, fire and explosions, crew injuries, as well as contractual claims such as those under charterparties and bills of lading.

His new role will also focus on administering advice on wider shipping legal matters, including compliance with marine regulations, ship management, bunker disputes and marine insurance.

Prior to becoming a lawyer, Starr spent a decade at sea, sailing as chief officer on commercial vessels (large passenger vessels and freight ro-ro cargo vessels), and also on some of the world’s largest superyachts.

He subsequently spent four years ashore as a marine superintendent, as part of a team managing a worldwide fleet of 60 ships and superyachts.

Andrew Taylor, chief executive officer of the UK P&I Club, said: “Tom Starr is an experienced marine lawyer and his extensive knowledge of the industry and the legal issues it faces makes him ideally placed for this position. The club will undoubtedly benefit from Tom joining and our Members will welcome the expertise he brings.”

Starr added: “The UK club is renowned in the marine sector for its all-round expertise. I look forward to the challenge of joining the team and bringing my own skillset and knowledge of international legal matters to the club.”

Mark Dugdale