Dr. Meena Mathews

Director – AOS Insurance & Claims Services LLC Board Member at WISTA UAE

Speaker

Dr. Meena Mathews is the Director of AOS, overseeing the group’s legal, compliance, insurance, and finance functions. With over 30 years of experience in the shipping and maritime industry, she is also the Founder and Director of AOS Insurance & Claims Services LLC, which acts as a trusted Correspondent to Protection & Indemnity (P&I) Clubs, ship owners, and government bodies, specializing in maritime law, insurance, and claims management. As a leader in the P&I Correspondent business, Dr. Meena has significantly enhanced services to P&I Clubs and ship owners across the Middle East, including Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Her expertise spans maritime litigation, insurance, and legal consultancy, with a strong focus on the complex challenges faced by the regional shipping industry. Dr. Meena holds a Doctorate in Maritime Law and is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK). She was a founding member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators’ Dubai branch and is also a member of the Nautical Institute, alongside other leading professional bodies. She currently serves as the Honorary Treasurer and Board Member of WISTA UAE (Women in Shipping & Trading Association). As a founding member of WISTA UAE, she has been instrumental in advocating for inclusivity and the advancement of women in the shipping industry, driving initiatives that promote mentorship, networking, and professional development opportunities across the sector. A pioneer in her field, Dr. Meena was among the first female lawyers to specialize in shipping law in the UAE. Her contributions have been widely recognized, earning her several prestigious awards, including the Excellence Award in Marine Claims Management (2016), the Women Professional Excellence Award for P&I Claims Management (2018), and, most recently in 2023, an Appreciation Award from H.E. Hessa Al Malek, Maritime Transport Affairs, UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, for her exceptional efforts in managing a critical maritime incident in UAE waters. Dr. Meena has also earned the respect of the Federal Transport Authority, other government bodies, embassies, and international organizations for her tireless work in assisting stranded seafarers and supporting maritime claims management. She has collaborated extensively with ports, regulators, and industry organizations, delivering training and guidance on international maritime issues and regulatory compliance. Her proactive efforts in fostering stronger communication channels between P&I Clubs, ports, and government agencies have been integral in resolving complex maritime challenges across the region.