About the NSOCC

The annual North Sea Operators’ Claims Conference Session draws together Shipowners, P&I clubs, marine surveyors, shipping lawyers and other experts, all with an interest in marine insurance claims matters, operating on the North Sea, the Baltic and the Irish Sea.

At this friendly, welcoming event, competition is set aside with the aim of sharing ideas and experience and learning from each other in order to improve our ability to manage claims more effectively.

The two-day conference (which can already start on a Sunday) is packed with informative presentations and discussions.

There are also ample opportunities to talk to fellow members more informally, to get to know people with similar interests and to explore the culture of the host country.

photos: © Andres Sanchez-Marin y Garrido for NSOCC

Conference aims and scope

The primary aim of the NSOCC is to provide an annual forum for North Sea, Baltic and Irish Sea operators to discuss matters of common interest:

"In order to further elaborate our first thumb rules, we hereby, on request of the previous meeting, convene representatives of shipping companies employed in short sea services to the North Sea area. As our first meeting only included Norwegian and Swedish shipping companies we are very happy to note the interest met from shipping companies in Denmark and United Kingdom during the past summer ... Our first objective is to establish such procedures as are necessary for mastering the huge quantities of trailers passing through sea terminals and make it possible to efficiently process claims in connection therewith. For such claims processing a uniform document and uniform signs for description of damage would be valuable. In the future there are other objectives of common interest such as securing of cargo within articles of transport and avoidance of pilferage." Mr. Max Slotte, 21.9.1976

The NSOCC tackles a wide range of industry issues with the general focus on claims matters, for example:

• Navigation Handling practice for hazardous goods (the NSOCC Green Card, the historical Blue Card and the historical Yellow Card).
• Standard trading conditions (North Sea Freight Conditions of Carriage -NSFCC -NSFC)
• Cargo claims
• Passenger claims
• Ship design and ship building claims

The North Sea Operators' Claims Conference is the body that review, update publish and deliver to NSOCC members:

• The North Sea Freight Conditions of Carriage (NSFCC, actual edition 2001)
• the NSOCC Green Card (actual edition 2011)

Collection of NSOCC Historical Documents - Standard Conditions - Blue Card, Yellow Card, NSOCC Green Card

Download

NSOCC Green Card & North Sea Freight Conditions of Carriage -under review

Download

Remember to click back in your browser to return to NSOCC page.

The NSOCC develops and promotes best practice relating to claims and the event has a strong educational element through the presentation of papers by delegates and other qualified speakers.

Who can attend?

This is principally an event by invitation for Shipowners, Operators, their P&I Clubs and Insurers operating a service on the North Sea, the Baltic and the Irish Sea.

Other attendees provide specialist support for our sector, including legal, surveying and brokerage expertise.

All Delegate members are required to be active in our business sector and attendance is by invitation.

A warm welcome is also extended to past Delegate members who have retired from active business.

Benefits

NSOCC attendees are able to:

• Discuss and develop best practices
• Share experience
• Meet other people operating in our sector
• Gain CPD points. NSOCC issues Continuing Professional Development certificates
• Visit different countries and experience different cultures

Cost

For each Yearly Session the Conference Host and the NSOCC Board of Directors volunteer their time to organise the event.

This is a 'not for profit' conference and we try to limit attendance costs. The cost usually covers administration (a service fee collected by NSOCC for organising and booking on behalf of the Delegate members, Speakers and guests), accommodation (the Conference organisers provide accommodation but the attendee may attend a day-conference), dine and wine, the conference venue hire itself and a local tour.

Sponsorship

In addition to the valued commitment of our Conference Host, the NSOCC is also supported not only by the Delegate Members attending to each Yearly Session but also by kind member organisations which sponsor elements of the programme. The NSOCC Board of Directors would like to thank assisting Delegate Members and Hosts for their generosity.

Next Session

• The 48 Session will take place in Bristol on September 28 to 30, 2026, hosted by Birketts LLP and Mr. Alex Penberthy, Partner -Shipping and International Trade Team, Bristol office.
• For the 48 Session Bristol 2026 a whole "3-night & 2-day" Conference will have a cost of €1550 (applicable taxes and service fee included, transport to and from the Host town not included).
• 2026 and the 48 Session NSOCC Bristol marks the 50 Anniversary since several Scandinavian shipping lines and some of their insurers attended the First "Conference for the establishment of rules for settlement of claims in respect of 'Articles of Transport'" (0 NSOCC 1976 I), celebrated on the 30^th of March 1976 in Göteborg, and likewise attended the Second "Conference for the establishment of rules for settlement of claims in respect of 'Articles of Transport'" (0 NSOCC 1976 II), celebrated on the 11 and 12 of October 1976 in Kungälv, Hotel Fars Hatt. Two related side meetings were held in London: June the 2^nd 1976 - North Sea Club Conference and June the 8^th 1976 - Harmonisation (Freight) Conference.
• The Board of Directors of the North Sea Operators’ Claims Conference have constituted a panel of industry experts, legal as well as professionals working in the transport industry and insurance of these businesses involved, for the review of the “North Sea Freight Conditions” and “NSOCC Green Card” to bring them up to date. The panel is representing several institution and businesses from several European countries. The panel will present the suggested amendments at the 48 Session, where delegate members from the industry can give their input before any final revision is approved, and published by NSOCC.

To view a list of conferences, locations, hosts and highlights, please:

Explore the NSOCC timeline

For a more in depth knowledge, please:

Explore the NSOCC history