On Monday 4 November 2024, the very first edition of the IVR Loss Prevention Colloquium took place in Antwerp. Around 80 participants from Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany gathered in the beautiful Botanic Sanctuary to shed light on the technical and financial aspects of loss prevention in the European inland navigation sector from different angles.

Eight presentations, spread over three sessions, covered various current and relevant topics. These included the impact of decarbonization, engine day value calculation, the role of classification societies, common damages and solutions, the challenges for greening in the sector, risks and resilience at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, quality and quantity loss control in tanker shipping and new clean solutions for electric sailing. The event attracted a wide audience of insurers, brokers, claims handlers, shipping companies, surveyors, lawyers and other stakeholders. The workshop was moderated by the chair of the IVR Loss Prevention Committee, Ronald Koops. He emphasized the importance of cooperation and knowledge sharing in a sector that is rapidly evolving due to the increasing focus on sustainability and technical innovations.

Besides knowledge sharing, the event also provided an opportunity for networking among professionals from different areas of expertise. The day ended with an atmospheric reception and 4-course dinner in the venue’s historic chapel. Following the positive feedback from participants, there’s a good chance that the Loss Prevention Colloquium will become a recurring event.