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CESAM (Comité d’Études et de Services des Assureurs Maritimes et Transports) has published its quarterly review of geographical ratings for “war and related risks”, applicable to cargo insurance under the model clauses provided by France Assureurs. Seven ratings change on 1 October 2026.
Changes as of 1 October 2026
| Country or area | Rating concerned | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Bulgaria | Extended and waterborne cover | Up from 2 to 3 |
| Cuba | Extended and waterborne cover | Up from 4 to 5 |
| Egypt | Waterborne cover | Up from 4 to 5 |
| Iraq | Waterborne cover | Up from 7 to 8 |
| Black Sea (zone A) | Special maritime area | Up from 6 to 7 |
| Northern Red Sea | Special maritime area | Up from 5 to 6 |
| Syria | Waterborne cover | Down from 8 to 7 |
What is behind these changes
CESAM’s explanatory notes, dated 23 September 2026, give the following reasons:
- Bulgaria: deteriorating security in the Black Sea; debris and explosive devices detected in Bulgarian waters since August 2026.
- Cuba: a worsening energy crisis and rising tensions with the United States, weighing on logistics operations.
- Egypt: first direct attacks on its port areas, including a drone attack on the port of Damietta in late July 2026.
- Iraq: several attacks on merchant vessels in its territorial waters since March 2026.
- Black Sea (zone A): dozens of merchant vessels hit over twelve months, compared with none the previous year.
- Northern Red Sea: Houthi attacks on Saudi interests extending further north, notably off Yanbu.
- Syria: no major security incident in its ports or territorial waters for twelve months; the rating remains 8 for extended cover.
Explanatory notes
The new ratings and their explanatory notes are available on the CESAM platform.
