Marine / Cargo Insurance
Covers goods in international and domestic transit by sea, air, or road — import, export, and inland movement on Institute Cargo Clauses.
Marine cargo insurance covers goods being moved internationally and domestically — predominantly by sea, but also by air, road, and rail. The wording is built on the Institute Cargo Clauses (ICC A, B, and C), an internationally standardised framework that determines what perils are covered. Cargo insurance is distinct from the carrier's own liability, which is severely limited by international convention — for any meaningful import or export value, the cargo owner needs their own cover.
Vike places marine cargo for Kenyan importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and manufacturers — including container imports through Mombasa, air cargo through JKIA, and inland movements onward to upcountry and across the EAC. We arrange annual open covers for regular trade, single-voyage policies for one-off high-value shipments, and stock-through-put cover for businesses with warehousing as part of their supply chain.
What It Covers
Loss or damage to cargo during international and domestic transit
Cover under Institute Cargo Clauses A (all risks), B (named perils), or C (major casualties only)
Marine, air, road, and rail transit segments
Loading and unloading at ports, airports, and warehouses
General Average and salvage charges
War and strikes risks (subject to specific clauses)
Pre- and post-shipment storage at agreed locations
Concealed damage discovered after delivery (within the policy's reporting window)
Who It's For
Importers receiving cargo through Mombasa, Naivasha, or JKIA
Exporters shipping out of Kenya — tea, coffee, horticulture, manufactured goods
Freight forwarders and clearing agents arranging cover on behalf of clients
Manufacturers importing raw materials and exporting finished goods
Retailers and wholesalers receiving regular containerised stock
Types We Cover
Each profile is rated and underwritten differently. Talk to us so we can match your specific situation.
Single Voyage / Single Shipment
One-off cover for a specific consignment. Useful for occasional importers, project cargo, and high-value single shipments. Premium based on shipment value, route, and commodity.
Annual Open Cover
Standing policy that automatically covers each shipment as declared. Best for regular importers and exporters. Premium adjusts annually based on declared turnover.
Stock Through-put
Single policy covering cargo from origin through transit, port handling, warehousing, and onward delivery. Removes gaps between separate transit and storage policies. Recommended for manufacturers with imported raw materials.
Specie / High Value Cargo
Specialised cover for precious metals, gemstones, currency, fine art, and other high-value items. Different rating, security requirements, and limits — typically arranged through Lloyd's of London.
Project Cargo
Bespoke cover for capital equipment imports for major projects — power plants, factories, infrastructure. Includes inland transit, on-site storage during installation, and testing/commissioning.
Real-World Scenarios
Container partially damaged on a Mombasa import
Forty units of electronic equipment damaged by salt water during transit. Surveyor's report establishes value of damaged goods at USD 24,000. The policy settles the loss less the agreed excess, and the insurer pursues recovery from the carrier under subrogated rights.
Air cargo lost in transit through Dubai
A pharmaceutical shipment is misrouted and reported lost. Marine cargo policy (covering air shipments under the same wording) pays the invoice value plus 10% (the standard 'CIF+10%') to the importer, well above what the airline's liability convention would have paid.
Export consignment held up by a port strike
Coffee shipment delayed at Mombasa port due to strike action. The war and strikes clause extension covers loss attributable to the delay (deterioration of goods, missed contract penalties under specific wording). General Cargo cover alone would not have responded.
Optional Benefits & Add-ons
War and strikes risks (Institute War Clauses)
Storage and through-put extension
Domestic inland transit after sea/air arrival
Brand protection / disposal of damaged goods
Survey and salvage costs
Refrigerated cargo / temperature-controlled wording
Availability varies by underwriter. Our advisors will confirm what is available on your chosen policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
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