A significant downturn in claims has contributed to Steamship Mutual anticipating a year of strengthened finances.

In a pre-renewal update to members, the club says it anticipates the free reserve should be increased by the end of the policy year.

The improved financial outlook helps explain why the directors of Steamship Mutual, led by chairman Heinrich Schoeller of Schoeller Holdings and Columbia Shipmanagement, were able to agree that the club could forego a general increase at the February renewal.

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