The U.S. Ocean-Marine insurance market is certainly not hard, says Bob Gallagher, president of International Marine Underwriters, part of the OneBeacon Insurance Group. He says the market is flat to slightly off.

Emerging markets in Brazil, Columbia India and East Asia are creating opportunities for Ocean Marine underwriters.

XL Group says it now has final approval from Brazilian regulators to start insurance operations in the South American country.

Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corp. doesnt think the state Supreme Court addressed all the issues it should have before reinstating what has become a judgment of more than $100 million for policyholders.

The worlds largest shipping company is adding to its fleet by having built 20 of the worlds largest shipseach with the ability to haul 18,000 containers. With that many containers making the trek aboard the same vessel, insurers will bear the brunt of a vast array lossesfrom potentially multiple clients.

Australias QBE Insurance Group says a record level of catastrophe claims in 2011 prompted the company to warn investors that its profit will be down up to 50 percent.

Three-quarters of executive surveyed at the Property/Casualty Insurance Joint Industry Forum here say the industry can expect an improvement in profitability in 2012.

John M. Huff, director of the Missouri Department of Insurance, said he was proud of the response of insurance companies in the wake of the Joplin tornado last year.