Underwriting agency Dual has expanded into marine lines in Australia, with a suite of commercial hull, cargo and marine liability products.

Its marine team will be led by Andrew Black, who brings 30 years’ experience in Australian and New Zealand marine markets.

He is a former chief underwriting officer of Associated Marine and GM underwriting for Great Lakes Marine Insurance Agency.

Dual is expanding into marine markets globally, and the Australian move marks its first step into the Asia-Pacific region.

Asia-Pacific CEO Damien Coates told insuranceNEWS.com.au the company can use its expertise in structuring a complex specialty product more effectively for the mid market.

“This expansion has been based on feedback from our broking partners that this is a segment of the market where additional capacity and expertise is required,” he said.

Mr Coates says the initial focus will be on commercial hull, given Mr Black’s expertise in that class.