Norway’s Gard has seen its mutual book of P&I business grow by another 17m gt following the 20 February policy renewal.

Another bumper year of growth at Arendal-based insurer comes as the UK's North P&I Club and Standard Club merged this week to offer a challenge to the Gard’s position as the shipping industry’s largest insurer.

Around 11m gt of the 17m gt was added to Gard's P&I portfolio during the renewal, with the rest added by existing members throughout the year.