Record Attendance at The Swedish Club AGM 2025 Highlights Strength of Mutual Community
The Swedish Club welcomed a record number of members, partners and guests to Gothenburg for its Annual General Meeting 2025. The event reaffirmed the Club’s shared values, long-term relationships, and deep trust.
Spanning three days of discussions, networking, and celebration, the AGM brought together voices from across the maritime industry to reflect on current challenges and help chart a course forward. At the heart of the occasion was a sense of unity—strengthened by personal connection, transparent dialogue, and an enduring commitment to mutual support.
Leadership in Uncertain Times
At the AGM Dinner, Peter Claesson, Chairman of the Board, addressed members and guests with a message shaped by both reflection and resolve. His speech acknowledged the evolving nature of global risk, noting that what was once described as “change” has now become ongoing unpredictability.
In that context, marine insurance plays a pivotal role—not as a backdrop, but as an enabler of global trade in the face of disruption.
“Shipping is always right in the middle,” Claesson observed. “It’s not optional—it’s how the world moves. And when that motion is disrupted, everyone notices.”
Claesson pointed to the strength of the Club’s mutual structure, which enables long-term thinking, agile decision-making, and true accountability to fellow members. The Club’s operational stability, clear values, and dedication to professionalism were presented as essential foundations in an industry shaped by rapid change.
Members’ Day Emphasis on Seafarer Wellbeing
This year’s Members’ Day placed a welcome focus on seafarer wellbeing, with heartfelt insights from speakers across the industry. One of the most resonant moments came from Captain Ann Pletschke whose candid testimony on life at sea struck a deep chord underscoring the importance of leadership in shaping supportive environments, both on board and ashore.
The choice to focus on this topic was widely praised by attendees and reaffirmed the Club’s role in supporting the maritime community beyond commercial concerns.
Guest of Honour Highlights Culture and Connection
Nick Shaw, CEO of the International Group of P&I Clubs, delivered a thoughtful address as Guest of Honour at the AGM dinner. Reflecting on his own time aboard a container ship, Shaw noted the human challenges faced by seafarers and the vital role of ethical leadership in maintaining resilient structures.
Shaw also praised the Club’s ability to balance professionalism with genuine camaraderie:
“It is an organisation’s ability to share some collective fun that really binds people together… and the value of enjoying these occasions together, as well as cementing old and new friendships, cannot be underestimated.”
As the maritime sector continues to face evolving risks and complex challenges, the Club remains focused on sound decision-making, financial strength, and delivering value through long-term partnerships. The importance of personal interaction, open dialogue, and mutual respect underscores the value of stability, transparency, and shared responsibility in times of global volatility.