THE UK P&I Club's latest member survey of 259 shipowners and insurance brokers shows legal and contractual issues, piracy and crime and international sanctions are their greatest fears.

They also expressed concern over crewing and personnel, insurance regulation, loss prevention, environmental legislation, shipboard risk management, cargo preparation and stowage and port state control, the London's Tanker Operator reported.

Consequently, owners want information and advice from insurers on how to tackle the problems associated with these areas, the club said.

Members indicated that financial stability was the most important aspect of their relationship with any P&I Club.

"The aim of our survey has been to identify and understand the issues that really concern our members. The club was very pleased with such a high level of participation across such a wide range of ship types, trade sectors, regional and international trades and corporate organisations," said a UK P&I Club statement.