Lloyd’s marine underwriter’s main representative body, the Joint Hull Committee (JHC), is in limbo after losing its leader — who could yet return.

The JHC was chaired by Peter Townsend who voluntarily stepped down after Lloyd’s syndicate AmTrust closed its marine division last month and he lost his job as chief underwriter.

However, the JHC will not immediately replace Townsend, leaving the door open for him to resume the post.

Instead, it will grant a period of an unspecified time for Townsend to find a job in the market, which would allow him to return.

Townsend is also a member of the Lloyd’s Market Association, which has taken a similar stance.

However, the JHC may need to appoint a leader soon to represent it at the International Union of Marine Insurance annual meeting in Cape Town in September.

The JHC represents underwriters on issues such as LNG propulsion, salvage and sanctions.