Zurich Group is rolling out a new marine insurance product created for small and medium cargo after trials in four countries last year were successful.

The Zurich Swift Insurance Platform provides web-based access to insurance which users can tailor to their needs.

The platform received a positive reception in Spain, Germany, Singapore and Mexico last year. It will be made available in North America, the Nordic countries and more countries in Latin America later this year.

Zurich says globalisation gives a growing number of companies the opportunity to ship goods worldwide and this creates more complex supply chains and risk exposures that can impact the ability to deliver goods safely.

The new platform allows brokers and intermediaries to manage the full policy lifecycle for single shipment and annual cargo insurance policies. This includes receiving quotes, checking existing trade & economic sanctions, binding and renewing policies, making mid-term adjustments and issuing certificates.

Zurich Australia will continue to use its Z.stream platform, which has been developed over a number of years for local brokers.