Bermuda-based Catlin Group Ltd., a specialty insurer and reinsurer, has expanded its presence in Asia with the opening of new office in Hong Kong.

Catlin Hong Kong Limited is the third office that Catlin has established in Asia, having opened offices in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur in 1999.

?The markets of North Asia offer significant growth opportunities for Catlin. Positioning ourselves in Hong Kong will give us a strong local presence and infrastructure to allow us to develop our business in this important region.

Catlin Hong Kong will build on and exploit the success and strong reputation that Catlin has earned in Asia through our offices in Singapore and Malaysia,? said Neil Wray, former principal officer of Catlin Asia in Singapore, who will lead the new office.

Catlin Hong Kong Limited will operate as a registered Lloyd?s of London coverholder, binding non-life business on behalf of the Catlin Syndicate (Syndicate 2003) at Lloyd?s, the company said in a statement.

The office will focus on serving brokers and their clients in North Asia, including Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea. It will initially specialise in underwriting marine hull and cargo, nonmarine property and terrorism coverages and will also work with underwriters in Catlin?s Singapore office to provide onshore and offshore energy, construction, fine art, specie, aviation, general liability and professional liability coverages.

David Hughes, a marine class underwriter is relocating from Catlin?s London office to join Mr. Wray in Asia. The company expects to expand its underwriting team in Hong Kong over time.