FD&D is a discretionary insurance that covers your legal costs and expenses in respect of claims properly pursued by you, or improperly brought against you, and which are not otherwise insured. We provide a tailored approach to handling FD&D claims, designed to suit our members’ individual needs and expectations. In all instances, members have access to direct and immediate legal advice and support from our team of qualified lawyers; ranging from English solicitors to overseas qualified attorneys. We believe this makes us the largest global team of specialist FD&D lawyers. This in-house expertise, coupled with external support as required, ensures maximum flexibility in protecting your assets.

Scope of cover

The scope of our cover is very wide. It provides you with legal support and costs insurance to deal with a large variety of differing types of claims and enquiries in respect of a ship, including issues relating to:

Breach of charter or other contract

Detentions

Sanctions

Stevedore damage  

Loading & discharging of cargo  

Crew claim

Damage to hull, machinery & equipment 

MOA / newbuild contracts 

Speed & consumption

Bills of lading 

Letters of indemnity 

Bunker quantity & quality

Freight / deadfreight 

Laytime & demurrage 

Delivery & redelivery  

Lawfulness of orders

Trading ranges & rights 

Permissible cargos 

Maintenance issues 

Statement of account

Force majeure 

Decarbonisation

Hire & off-hire 

Unsafe port / berths

You’ll also receive close support in your day-to-day operations when requested.  Whether you need help to review a contract, draft a specific provision, or require advice on an emerging issue, our specialist lawyers will make sure you’re protected legally and, of course, consider your commercial position. 

Our Experts

NorthStandard is a world leading FD&D insurance provider.  Our team of experts is well placed to offer the tailored support you need.  The FD&D team is based across our global offices, including Newcastle, London, New York, Piraeus, Hong Kong, Korea and Singapore, and can assist seamlessly with disputes across time zones.  

The team has a deep knowledge and understanding of all legal issues that fall within the scope of our cover.  This has been developed over many years and through dealing with high volumes of claims for owners and charterers in the geographical and specialty sectors. 

View Full Team

Our Expert Services

Being part of a larger business ensures our team has access to strong support networks, and we work closely with our underwriting, P&I and loss prevention colleagues to ensure you receive advice on all aspects of any claim or enquiry.   

We also benefit from the financial security of the A-rated NorthStandard Group. 

Our Rules

View all Rules
01
FD&D Rules (2025/26)
13 February 2025
02
P&I Rules (2025/26)
13 February 2025
03
War Risks Rules (2025/26)
13 February 2025

FD&D Rules (2025/26)

View

FD&D FAQs

Insight and advice 

Our website, LinkedIn page and X feed are also regularly updated with the latest NorthStandard news, industry developments and global events, so shipowners, charterers, traders and all members are always fully informed about any issues that may affect their operations. 
 
In addition to providing expert insight and advice, we constantly create a wide range of easily accessible support tools and resources, including guides, videos, training courses and workshops, plus articles and handouts on the issues that matter most to our fast-changing industry.