For an ambitious protection-and-indemnity (P&I) club, diversification has long been the fashion — but it is not the only way to go.

The London Steam-Ship Owners’ Mutual Insurance Association is a club committed to the mutual traditions of P&I and the subject of differing views in the market.

Critics might accuse the mutual of failing to keep up with the convoy of International Group clubs busy developing new lines of business and expanding the tonnage covered.