Sales this year of new catastrophe bonds have been the second highest since the market began, despite potential losses for investors as a result of superstorm Sandy, Swiss Re said on Thursday.

The energy industry faces new risks associated with decommissioning and dismantling oil and gas platforms as many installations reach the end of their productive life.

In sports terms, 2012 has been what one could call a rebuilding year, as P&C carriers looked to recover from a disastrous 2011 and a string of heavy losses. For many carriers, 2012 was a time to totally reappraise their roster of risks, which meant both exploring new lines of...