Figures from the Nordic Association of Marine Insurers (Cefor) indicate three years of low loss levels have come to an abrupt end with one particularly costly incident recorded in the first half of this year.

The Oslo-based association said an increase in cargo-related fires and explosions on vessels is causing concern.

Cefor’s figures for the half-year to June show there have been seven losses recorded in excess of $10m each so far in 2019.