AI12 Limited has appointed Joseph Barness as Head of Marine Lines, strengthening its push to scale a global specialty platform from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
The move comes as the firm expands beyond its core aviation expertise and deepens capabilities across complex risk segments.
Strategic hire to scale marine insurance capabilities
Barness will lead AI12’s Marine Lines business across Hull & Machinery, Marine Cargo, and Protection & Indemnity (P&I). In addition, he will oversee marine liabilities tied to ports, terminals, and logistics operators.
He will also focus on war risks and hostile perils affecting vessels, cargo, and crew. These risks have gained importance amid rising geopolitical tensions.
With this appointment, AI12 aims to build a market-facing marine practice with strong technical depth. The firm also seeks closer alignment with global clients and underwriting markets.
Industry faces rising complexity and risk pressures
Today’s marine insurance landscape is evolving quickly. For instance, supply chain disruptions continue to create uncertainty. At the same time, contract-driven liabilities are becoming more complex.
Moreover, insurers must deal with sanctions, geopolitical risks, and inflation in repair and claims costs. As a result, underwriting requires sharper risk assessment and clearer coverage structures.
Against this backdrop, AI12 is investing in specialist leadership to guide clients through these challenges.
Experienced leadership to drive global growth
Barness brings more than 17 years of experience in the insurance sector. He has held senior leadership roles and built strong expertise across marine classes.
His appointment supports AI12’s strategy to differentiate through technical insight and disciplined risk advisory. Furthermore, the firm plans to strengthen engagement with global markets through high-conviction underwriting dialogue.
Commenting on his role, Barness said AI12 offers “the agility and technical depth that clients and markets value.” He added that marine insurance demands clarity, expertise, and strong relationships, especially in complex environments.
Leadership highlights long-term specialty vision
Anvar Mullabekov, Founder and CEO of AI12, said the appointment marks a key step in the company’s growth roadmap.
He noted that the firm is expanding both the breadth and depth of its specialty capabilities. According to him, Marine Lines will play a central role in building a differentiated global proposition.
Meanwhile, Richard Prenter emphasized that AI12’s strategy focuses on depth of expertise and execution. He added that Barness will strengthen the firm’s ability to deliver clear risk advisory across cargo, liability, and hull exposures.
DIFC expansion underpins global ambitions
The appointment follows AI12’s recent regulatory authorization in the DIFC. This milestone supports the firm’s international expansion across specialty lines.
AI12 currently operates across four continents and serves clients in over 60 countries. It offers risk solutions spanning aviation, marine, energy, financial lines, and infrastructure.
As the firm accelerates its global build-out, the Marine Lines division is expected to play a critical role in driving growth and market relevance.
