AI12 Limited, the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC)-based specialist insurance and reinsurance broker, has expanded its global specialist business with the appointment of Joseph Barness as Head of Maritime.
In his new role, Barness will lead the broker’s ocean freight business unit with responsibility for hulls and machinery, ocean cargo, protection and indemnity (P&I) and related ocean freight liabilities, including exposures related to ports and terminals, logistics operators and other ocean freight service providers.
In addition, his responsibilities include risks of war and hostile dangers affecting ships, cargo and crew.
Barness has over 17 years of industry experience in the marine market and has a proven track record in senior director and executive management positions.
The broker highlighted that his technical depth and cross-category marine knowledge underpin its strategy to differentiate through expert insight, rigorous risk advisory and high-conviction market engagement, particularly in areas where contract structuring, liability allocation and claims outcomes require experienced technical leadership.
Barness’ appointment follows AI12’s recent DFSA authorization and establishment in the DIFC, furthering the company’s global expansion across specialist lines.
“AI12 has a clear ambition to build a globally recognized professional practice with the agility and technical depth that clients and the market value,” said Barness. “Marine insurance requires expertise, clarity and strong relationships, particularly in complex risk environments.
“I join AI12 with the aim of building the sea lanes business with confidence across Hull & Machinery, Sea Cargo, Sea & Cargo War Risks and P&I, supported by rigorous risk understanding, strong market participation and a responsive, technical and market-leading service model.”
Anvar Mullabekov, Founder and CEO of AI12 Limited, commented: “Joseph’s appointment is another strategic step in AI12’s long-term growth plan and follows our recent DFSA authorization at the DIFC. We are intentionally expanding the breadth and depth of our professional capabilities, investing in proven leaders who bring technical authority and global market credibility.
“The ocean freight business covering hull and machinery, cargo, war insurance, P&I and related liabilities is a core part of the strategy and Joseph will play a key role in building a differentiated proposition, strengthening our presence in global markets and cementing AI12’s position as a leading specialist broker.”
Richard Prenter, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Specialties at AI12 Limited, added: “Our specialist strategy is built on depth, depth of expertise, depth of market participation and depth of execution. Joseph’s appointment enhances our ability to deliver a truly market-ready Marine Lines proposition, underpinned by technical discipline and clear risk advisory across complex cargo and liability structures as well as traditional hull risks. This is how we continue to establish AI12 as a boutique specialist practice with global credibility and the highest level of execution capabilities to serve clients and the market.”
