Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) headquartered specialist insurance and reinsurance broker, AI12 Limited, has named Joseph Barness as Head of Marine, expanding its global specialty practice.
In his new role, Barness will lead the broker’s marine lines unit across hull & machinery, marine cargo, protection & indemnity (P&I) and associated marine liabilities, including exposures related to ports and terminals, logistics operators and other marine service providers.
Additionally, his remit will include war risks and hostile perils impacting vessels, cargo, and crew.
Barness has over 17 years of industry experience across the marine market and a proven track record in senior director and executive management-level positions.
The broker emphasises that his technical depth and cross-class marine knowledge underpin its strategy to differentiate through specialist insight, disciplined risk advisory, and high-conviction market engagement, particularly in areas where contractual structures, liability allocation, and claims outcomes require experienced technical leadership.
Barness’ appointment follows AI12’s recent DFSA authorisation and establishment in the DIFC, further pushing the firm’s global build-out across specialty lines.
Barness said, “AI12 has a clear ambition to build a globally recognised specialty practice with the agility and technical depth that clients and markets value. Marine insurance demands expertise, clarity and strong relationships, particularly in complex risk environments.
“I’m joining AI12 to build a Marine Lines operation with conviction across Hull & Machinery, Marine Cargo, Marine & Cargo War Risks and P&I, supported by disciplined risk understanding, strong market engagement, and a service model that is responsive, technical and market-leading.”
Anvar Mullabekov, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, AI12 Limited, commented, “Joseph’s appointment is another strategic step in AI12’s long-term growth plan and follows our recent DFSA authorisation in the DIFC. We are deliberately expanding the breadth and depth of our specialty capabilities, investing in proven leaders who bring technical authority and global market credibility.
“Marine Lines spanning Hull & Machinery, Cargo, War Risks, P&I and related liabilities, is a core part of that strategy, and Joseph will play a key role in building a differentiated proposition, strengthening our practice with worldwide markets, and reinforcing AI12’s position as a leading specialist broker.”
Richard Prenter, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Specialty, AI12 Limited, added, “Our specialty strategy is built on depth, depth of expertise, depth of market engagement, and depth of execution. Joseph’s appointment strengthens our ability to deliver a truly market-facing Marine Lines proposition, underpinned by technical discipline and clear risk advisory across complex cargo and liability structures as well as traditional hull exposures. This is exactly how we continue to build AI12 as a boutique specialty practice with global credibility and the capability to perform at the highest level for clients and markets.”
