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The view from the 6th Floor of our London office, 90 Fenchurch Street.

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Welcome to the first in a series of blogs over the coming months from claims handlers across our global network. We'll be giving our perspectives on the cities in which we work and their maritime connections! 

Although (sadly) the days that Britannia ruled the waves are behind us, London's place in the shipping industry has been firmly cemented. Not only does it remain as a preferred forum for shipping disputes, it is also the birth place of marine insurance and the Lloyds of London remains central to that. 

If you ever find yourself in the City and in desperate need of a tour of the maritime sights - the Lloyds of London building is a must, as is the Lloyds Register building (they're having an open house on 16 September!)

From the Royal Exchange on Cornhill, which is now home to many luxury brand shops, but originally stems back to the merchant Sir Thomas Gresham and a purpose built space for trading stocks, to Lombard Street and the former site of the Edward Lloyd's Coffee House (now a Sainsbury's); trade and shipping have been integral to the Square Mile's success. Wondering around the City, the architecture is a constant reminder of its history, its present and its future potential.

If you still haven't had your fill of all things maritime, you can head south of the River to Greenwich (you can even do this by boat!) where you can visit the National Maritime Museum and the Cutty Sark Tea Clipper.

Also with the introduction of London International Shipping Week, we now have a whole week of dedicated maritime events to look forward to! The biennial event is happening again this year between 11th and 15th September and with a host of social and educational events, it's set to be an interesting and informative week.