Berkley Offshore Underwriting Managers Launches New Ocean Cargo Product Line

Names Mark Bernas Vice President

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Berkley Offshore Underwriting Managers, a Berkley company, today announced the launch of an ocean cargo product line within the marine division. This new product will focus on providing coverage for cargo in transit, cargo stock throughput, and project cargo as key offerings to U.S. domiciled companies.

Mark Bernas has been named vice president with responsibility for the new product line. Mr. Bernas has nearly 25 years of experience in the marine insurance industry and most recently served as executive vice president for a major managing general agency. He holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and sociology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

“I am excited to join the fantastic team at Berkley Offshore,” said Mr. Bernas. “The opportunity to further enhance the expertise within the marine division is extraordinary and I look forward to working with our valued trading partners to offer best in class service, underwriting, and claims at a critical time for the U.S. cargo market.”

Brian Murphy, head of marine for Berkley Offshore Underwriting Managers, commented, “The establishment of this new division will enable us to expand our footprint in ocean marine at a particularly good time. Mark has a solid track record and a wealth of expertise in all aspects of ocean cargo insurance. The launching of this product line rounds out our ocean marine platform and complements our established hull and liability products.”

For additional information about marine products offered by Berkley Offshore Underwriting Managers please contact Brian Murphy at [e-mail].

Berkley Offshore Underwriting Managers is a specialist global underwriter of energy property, marine and energy liability risks with offices in New York, London and Houston. For more information, please visit www.berkleyoffshore.com.

Products and services are provided by one or more insurance company subsidiaries of W. R. Berkley Corporation. Not all products and services are available in every jurisdiction, and the precise coverage afforded by any insurer is subject to the actual terms and conditions of the policies as issued.