Willis: Resilient Energy Market in 2005; Worries in 2006

Global Broker Willis Group Holding’s recently published “Energy Market Review” concludes that “despite extraordinary losses incurred by the 2005 hurricane season, the energy insurance market has proven remarkably resilient. However, with numerous changes and challenges affecting the industry, it is as yet unclear whether the market could weather an active 2006 storm season as successfully.”

The Willis study gives an overview of the energy insurance market as a whole as well as in-depth analysis of its key components. In the latest edition, Willis said it “clearly defines the rating, capacity, deductible and other conditions of the current offshore, onshore, marine reinsurance, power generation, third party liability, and terrorism markets.”

In one of its more interesting conclusions the report states: “If Katrina, Rita and Wilma had struck a few years ago the size of the claims would have led to a ‘total capacity melt-down.’ However since 9/11 the strength of the industry’s recovery is such that last year’s hurricanes were essentially earnings depleting events that did not significantly change the capital base of the industry.”

A key question, however, is whether the energy market could withstand another series of equally costly catastrophes, despite its relative strength. Not unsurprisingly Willis sees the remainder of the year as critical in determining “whether the market can withstand a repeat of the events of 2005.”

The review found that the 2005 hurricanes emphasized the need for a significant technical re-evaluation of the upstream market; while other key findings point to the “widening gulf” between the onshore and offshore markets.

Phillip Ellis, Chairman of Willis’ Global Energy Practice commented: “Last year’s storm season triggered shock waves that are still moving through our industry. We now face not just another storm season, but an extended season of change in how we conduct our business. We welcome the challenges ahead and the stronger industry they will forge.”

Additional information on Willis may be found on its web site: www.willis.com. The Willis Energy Market Review is also available on the Website at:
www.willis.com/Extras/Publications.aspx.