Supporting constructive engagement with the Sri Lankan government

The London P&I Club, a not-for-profit mutual maritime insurance provider, has published this site to provide full transparency on the X Press Pearl incident, including independent scientific evidence from ITOPF, legal documents, diplomatic correspondence and a summary of the counterclaim the club is supporting.

Since 2021 we have helped supported the clean up of the damage caused by the sinking of the X-Press Pearl.

X-Press Feeders and London P&I Club financed the cleanup efforts, which were led by the Marine Environment Protection Authority, having a better understanding of the Sri Lankan community and its ecological needs, with close support from ITOPF.

To date, the owners have made payments of over USD 170 million for the removal of the wreck, clean-up of plastic nurdles from the beaches, and compensation to the affected local fishermen in Sri Lanka.

Independent scientific review finds Sri Lankan claims not based on empirical evidence.

ITOPF's analysis finds that:

  • Theoretical modelling: Sri Lankan claims rely on theoretical modelling rather than measured environmental data.
  • Scientific sampling: No robust scientific sampling was used to justify many of the claimed impacts.
  • Valuation approaches: Several claim categories used valuation approaches that are not recognised in international maritime conventions.
  • Restoration proposals: Restoration proposals lacked feasibility or scientific justification.
  • Judgment alignment: The Supreme Court judgment referenced claims that do not align with accepted international criteria for compensating incidents such as the X Press Pearl.
170mn+ USD

Amount spent on incident clean up by London P&I

$1bn+

Sri Lanka's Supreme Courts Initial Judgement against the ship owner

4

Years since the incident occured

0

Letters to the Sri Lankan president which have recieved a reply

When One Judgement Rewrites the Rules: What You Need to Know

Key Documents

Download essential reports and briefing materials

PDF

ITOPF Scientific Report

Independent analysis of environmental impact

2.4 MB
PDF

Letter 1 to Sri Lankan President

Our initial approach to ask for a negotiation

1.8 MB
PDF

Letter 2 to Sri Lankan President

Our second approach to ask for a negotiation

950 KB
PDF

Letter to Rachel Reeves MP

Our unanswered letter to the UK government raising concerns two months ago.

1.2 MB

What Parliamentarians Can Do

Practical actions to support international maritime governance and UK shipping interests

Encourage Sri Lankan parliamentary counterparts to re-engage with the Club

Reach a limited liability agreement which respects the conventions of international maritime insurance

Get in touch to support our campaign. Email James.Bean [at] Londonpandi.com for further information.

About the International Group of P&I Clubs