Marine insurance is the oldest form of commercial insurance — and one of the most specialized. From the Port of New Orleans to the Port of Baltimore to the Port of Charleston, America's major port cities create sustained demand for marine insurance professionals who understand the unique risks of ocean cargo, hull, marine liability, and port operations.
This guide covers the marine insurance job market across three of the most active US port city markets: New Orleans, Baltimore, and Charleston.
What Is Marine Insurance?
Marine insurance covers the risks associated with maritime commerce, including ocean cargo, vessel hulls, marine liability, port operations, and inland marine. It's a Lloyd's-dominated specialty with deep roots in the London market and a small, highly specialized talent pool.
The major classes within marine insurance:
Ocean Cargo — Covering goods in transit by sea. The highest-volume class by policy count in the marine market.
Hull & Machinery — Covering the physical vessel itself. Requires technical knowledge of vessel construction, classification societies, and maritime law.
Marine Liability — P&I (Protection & Indemnity) coverage for vessel operators. Covers crew injury, cargo damage liability, and pollution.
Port & Terminal Operators — Covering the liability and property exposures of port facilities. A growing class as US port infrastructure expands.
Inland Marine — Covering goods in transit by land and specialized property. The broadest and most diverse class in the marine market.
Yacht & Pleasure Craft — Covering private vessels. Fort Lauderdale and Annapolis are the primary US markets for this class.
Marine Insurance Jobs in New Orleans, LA
New Orleans is the Gulf Coast's marine insurance hub, serving one of the busiest port complexes in the world. The Port of New Orleans and the broader Mississippi River corridor create sustained demand for marine underwriters, cargo specialists, and marine liability professionals.
The most in-demand marine insurance roles in New Orleans:
Ocean Cargo Underwriter — Covering the massive cargo flows through the Port of New Orleans. Senior cargo underwriters earn $85,000–$130,000.
Marine Liability Specialist — P&I and marine liability coverage for Gulf Coast vessel operators. Senior specialists earn $90,000–$140,000.
Energy/Marine Hybrid Underwriter — New Orleans' unique combination of marine and energy exposures creates demand for professionals who can handle both. These hybrid specialists command premium compensation of $100,000–$155,000.
Marine Insurance Jobs in Baltimore, MD
Baltimore's historic port and proximity to the DC Metro corridor create a unique marine insurance market. The Port of Baltimore is one of the East Coast's most active, and Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland Medical System create additional demand for healthcare liability that often intersects with marine operations.
Baltimore-specific marine insurance roles:
Port & Terminal Operators Underwriter — Covering the liability and property exposures of Baltimore's port facilities. Senior underwriters earn $82,000–$128,000.
Inland Marine Specialist — Baltimore's position as a Mid-Atlantic distribution hub creates strong demand for inland marine expertise. Senior specialists earn $78,000–$122,000.
Marine Account Manager — Agency-side roles serving Baltimore's maritime community. Experienced AMs with marine expertise earn $68,000–$102,000.
Marine Insurance Jobs in Charleston, SC
Charleston is one of the fastest-growing port cities in the US, and the Port of Charleston has become one of the East Coast's most active container ports. The marine insurance market in Charleston is growing rapidly to serve this expansion.
Charleston-specific marine insurance roles:
Ocean Cargo Underwriter — Covering the growing cargo flows through the Port of Charleston. Mid-level underwriters earn $72,000–$115,000.
Marine Liability Specialist — P&I and marine liability coverage for Charleston's vessel operators and port facilities. Senior specialists earn $82,000–$128,000.
Marine Insurance Salary Benchmarks 2026
Associate Marine Underwriter: $62,000–$82,000 Mid-Level Ocean Cargo Underwriter: $78,000–$115,000 Senior Marine Underwriter: $100,000–$145,000 Marine Liability Specialist (Senior): $105,000–$155,000 Hull & Machinery Underwriter (Senior): $110,000–$160,000 Marine Underwriting Manager: $135,000–$185,000+ Yacht & Pleasure Craft Specialist: $72,000–$115,000
What Marine Insurance Employers Are Looking For
Maritime law knowledge is a significant differentiator. Marine underwriters who understand the Jones Act, COGSA, and maritime liability principles are more valuable than those with purely insurance backgrounds.
London market experience is highly valued. The marine market is deeply connected to Lloyd's of London, and candidates with London market exposure — even in other specialty lines — command a premium.
Port and logistics industry knowledge. Marine underwriters who understand port operations, container logistics, and vessel operations can have more meaningful conversations with their insureds and write better risks.
AMIM designation. The Associate in Marine Insurance Management (AMIM) from The Institutes is the most relevant credential for marine underwriters. It signals commitment to the specialty and is valued by employers.
The Inland Marine Opportunity
Inland marine is the most accessible entry point into the marine specialty for commercial lines professionals. Covering goods in transit, contractors' equipment, and specialized property, inland marine is a growing class that doesn't require deep maritime knowledge. Many successful marine underwriters start in inland marine and develop ocean marine expertise over time.
Working With a Marine Insurance Recruiter
Marine insurance is too specialized for generalist recruiting. SHG maintains relationships with marine underwriters, marine account managers, and marine risk managers across New Orleans, Baltimore, Charleston, Fort Lauderdale, and the national Lloyd's-market marine community.
If you're hiring for a marine insurance role or looking to make a move within the marine specialty, contact SHG for a confidential conversation.
SHG Recruiting Team
Commercial Insurance Specialists
Stone Hendricks Group is a commercial insurance recruiting firm exclusively focused on permanent placement. We connect agencies, carriers, and MGAs with top-tier insurance talent across all 50 states.