The reinsurance market was already struggling at the start of 2020 from such pressures as social inflation and wildfire exposures. Then, along came COVID-19.
Judges in Florida and North Carolina have found that insurers' exclusions did not clearly define damages arising from the coronavirus or government orders.
Whether it's fuel oil on board, cargoes that pollute or even pollutants that are washed off the deck, the marine vessel owner is liable for anything that spills into the ocean, and the associated fines and cleanup costs can get very expensive.