Core Insights - Chubb will serve as the lead underwriter for a U.S. government initiative aimed at providing insurance for ships navigating the hazardous Strait of Hormuz [1][2] - The initiative is part of a $20 billion plan to facilitate the movement of oil tankers and commercial traffic amid ongoing risks from the Iran war [2] Oil Market Impact - Oil prices have surged since the onset of the war at the end of February, with Brent crude trading above $91 per barrel [3] - Despite the high oil prices, the International Energy Agency announced a coordinated release of 400 million barrels from strategic petroleum reserves to alleviate market pressure [3] Shipping and Maritime Concerns - The Strait of Hormuz typically sees the passage of 15 million barrels of oil and an additional 5 million barrels of other oil products daily, but this flow has been disrupted due to security concerns [4] - Ship crews are hesitant to use the route due to fears of attacks, as evidenced by recent incidents where three ships off Iran's coast were struck by projectiles [4] - The Strait of Hormuz is the only maritime route connecting the oil-rich Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea [5]

Core Viewpoint - Major maritime insurers are terminating war risk coverage for vessels in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz due to escalating conflict in Iran, effective March 5, 2026 [1][2]. Group 1: Insurance Coverage Changes - The American Steamship Owners Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association has issued a Notice of Cancellation for war risks in the Persian/Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, effective 72 hours after March 2, 2026 [2][3]. - The London P&I Club and Assuranceforeningen Skuld have also announced similar cancellations of war risk coverage, citing increased geopolitical and operational uncertainty [3]. Group 2: Financial Implications - Prior to the conflict escalation, war risk premiums for the Persian Gulf were approximately 0.25% of a vessel's hull value [4]. - Insurance rates are projected to increase by 50% or more, meaning that for a $100-million supertanker, insurance costs could rise to $400,000 per voyage from about $250,000 [5].