Lloyd’s carrier Neon has launched Orca Insurance Agency, a Lloyd’s approved coverholder focusing on Nordic marine risks.

The Copenhagen-headquartered MGA will be led by CEO Lars Hendriksen and will underwrite on behalf of Neon Syndicate 2468.

Focusing on the Nordic markets, Orca will offer comprehensive marine risk solutions including offering insurance products, as well as risk consultancy and engineering services for the shipping industry.

Neon said that risk engineering capability and technical expertise will sit at the core of Orca’s offering and it will offer clients dedicated in-house claims handling.

Hendriksen has held a number of senior management roles within the marine sector including at Codan Marine RSA Scandinavia and the Survey Association.

In addition, Henrik Pilegaard has been appointed chief underwriting officer (CUO) of Orca.

Both Hendriksen and Pilegaard join Orca from Swedish-headquartered underwriting agency Lavaretus Underwriting AB, which is a subsidiary of JLT that was established in 2010.

Neon group CEO, Martin Reith commented: “Copenhagen is an excellent base to build out our marine capabilities and establishing a significant presence here is core to our growth aspirations.

“Orca will not be just another marine business, however. The team shares Neon’s philosophy and commitment to a technical approach, based on considerable experience and expertise. The combination of this and their relationships in the local market - and ability to offer both underwriting and risk consultancy - represents a unique client proposition.”

“This will be further complemented by Neon’s entrepreneurial and innovative approach and, over the coming years, we anticipate adding new classes and underwriting teams to the Orca platform, as Neon continues its international growth,” he concluded.