- Chinese imports heading for 50% market share of the dry bulk market after a turbulent year
- ‘Phase One’ agreement boosts exports and doubles volumes from last year
- Australian coal wins attention, but Indonesian exports to China have fallen the most
- Container shipping: a surprisingly profitable year during challenging times, but how long can it last?
Latest News
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BIMCO COVID 19 weekly report
The BIMCO Maritime Information department informs members on a weekly basis, updates about the COVID-19 in relation to implementation measures imposed by governments for sea transport including for crew change as well as from the United Nation bodies like the International Maritime Organization (IMO), World Health Organization (WHO) and International Labour Organization (ILO). BIMCO provides the following update for this week ending Friday, 22 January 2021
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New law in California, USA, affecting shipowners’ liability for oil pollution
Members are advised that amendments to the so-called Lempert-Keene-Seastrand Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act of 1990 in the State of California on criminal fines for oil spill violations in state waters entered into force on 1 January 2021. BIMCO takes the opportunity to remind members about the importance of strict compliance with this and other environmental laws.
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Indian holiday supplement available for the BIMCO calendar
With great appreciation to our contributing members, BIMCO is now able to issue the BIMCO Holiday Calendar 2021 Supplement.
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RightShip and INTERCARGO announce important new quality standard for dry bulk sector to be governed by new NGO
RightShip and INTERCARGO have today announced the launch of an important new quality standard for the dry bulk sector, DryBMS. The standard will be governed by a new NGO to be established later this year and will support the improvement of safety in the dry bulk segment.
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Nigeria Port Integrity Survey
The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) has launched an anonymous Port Integrity Survey to assess the impact of MACN’s efforts in Nigeria and to better understand the evolving situation in Nigerian ports and terminals.
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Transparency and dialogue between owners and charterers key to crew change challenge
World trade has to flow - we get that. Charterers have contractual obligations under short term spot charters that sometimes leave little room for delays - we get that too. Owners are responsible for managing and relieving their crews - that's not in doubt either. But what we don't accept is that a minority of charterers may simply be looking the other way when they are presented with a ship that also happens to be in need of a crew change. We don't expect charterers to foot the bill and we recognise that hiring ships is a matter of commercial negotiation - but we see no reason why charterers and owners should not have an open and honest dialogue to try to find a solution for much needed crew changes.
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BIMCO welcomes Danish move on navy in Gulf of Guinea
BIMCO welcomes the appointment of a Danish Special Representative for Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea, Ambassador Jens-Otto Horslund.
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BIMCO COVID 19 weekly report
The BIMCO Maritime Information department informs members on a weekly basis, updates about the COVID-19 in relation to implementation measures imposed by governments for sea transport including for crew change as well as from the United Nation bodies like the International Maritime Organization (IMO), World Health Organization (WHO) and International Labour Organization (ILO). BIMCO provides the following update for this week ending Friday, 15 January 2021
Latest market analysis
Latest market reports
- 1,427 Capesize journeys in the first twenty days of the year
- Containership report November 2020
- Demolition report dated 15 January 2021
- Dry cargo market report dated 15 January 2021
- Newbuilding report dated 19 January 2021
- Sale & purchase report dated 19 January 2021
- Tanker market report dated 15 January 2021
Latest press releases
- RightShip and INTERCARGO announce important new quality standard for dry bulk sector to be governed by new NGO
- BIMCO launches initiative to raise awareness about the crucial role of shipping
- Industry publishes new and improved cyber security guidelines
- BIMCO: EU ship recycling regime improved but gaps remain
Latest news by topic
Priority news
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RightShip and INTERCARGO have today announced the launch of an important new quality standard for the dry bulk sector, DryBMS. The standard will be governed by a new NGO to be established later this year and will support the improvement of safety in the dry bulk segment.
Transparency and dialogue between owners and charterers key to crew change challenge
World trade has to flow - we get that. Charterers have contractual obligations under short term spot charters that sometimes leave little room for delays - we get that too. Owners are responsible for managing and relieving their crews - that's not in doubt either. But what we don't accept is that a minority of charterers may simply be looking the other way when they are presented with a ship that also happens to be in need of a crew change. We don't expect charterers to foot the bill and we recognise that hiring ships is a matter of commercial negotiation - but we see no reason why charterers and owners should not have an open and honest dialogue to try to find a solution for much needed crew changes.
BIMCO welcomes Danish move on navy in Gulf of Guinea
BIMCO welcomes the appointment of a Danish Special Representative for Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea, Ambassador Jens-Otto Horslund.
BIMCO launches initiative to raise awareness about the crucial role of shipping
The year 2020 has been a tremendous test for the shipping industry and its seafarers. With the aim to raise awareness of how significant a role shipping plays in society and daily lives, BIMCO is launching a two-minute film produced in co-operation with UK-based television production company ITN.
Contracts & clauses
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World trade has to flow - we get that. Charterers have contractual obligations under short term spot charters that sometimes leave little room for delays - we get that too. Owners are responsible for managing and relieving their crews - that's not in doubt either. But what we don't accept is that a minority of charterers may simply be looking the other way when they are presented with a ship that also happens to be in need of a crew change. We don't expect charterers to foot the bill and we recognise that hiring ships is a matter of commercial negotiation - but we see no reason why charterers and owners should not have an open and honest dialogue to try to find a solution for much needed crew changes.
Optional gas specific clauses to assist users of ASBAGASVOY
The drafting team set up by BIMCO and the Association of Ship Brokers & Agents (U.S.A.), Inc. (ASBA) to develop the recently published gas tanker charter party ASBAGASVOY has drafted a document containing additional clauses for possible use with the new charter.
New BIMCO Force Majeure Clause ready for review
A first draft of the BIMCO Force Majeure Clause will be presented for review at the BIMCO Documentary Committee meeting 25-26 January 2021.
BIMCO to seek industry consultation in January for new ship sale agreement
In January 2021, BIMCO will be inviting the industry to view and offer feedback on the new Ship Sale Agreement in the pipeline. The new form is on track for publication in 2021.
Environment
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Members are advised that amendments to the so-called Lempert-Keene-Seastrand Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act of 1990 in the State of California on criminal fines for oil spill violations in state waters entered into force on 1 January 2021. BIMCO takes the opportunity to remind members about the importance of strict compliance with this and other environmental laws.
Efficiency drive
In the December 2020/January 2021 issue of Bunkerspot, BIMCO’s Deputy Secretary General Lars Robert Pedersen considers what the new MARPOL Annex VI amendments on ships’ operational efficiency will mean for the industry. Read the article below:
Crew changes and abandonment top busy IMO Legal Committee agenda
The Legal Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has agreed on a new item for its future work programme relating to fair treatment of seafarers detained on suspicion of committing maritime crimes. At the Committee’s meeting on 27 November and 1-2 December, it also agreed on the development of guidelines for flag and port state authorities regarding how to deal with seafarer abandonment cases.
Amendments to California’s Marine Invasive Species Program will come into force soon
California has amended regulation in section 2298.5 in Article 4.8 of Title 2, Division 3 of Chapter 1 of the California Code of Regulations. The regulatory changes become effective on 1 January 2021. It changes the way ships should submit information through the Marine Invasive Species Program Annual Vessel Reporting Form.
Safety
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RightShip and INTERCARGO have today announced the launch of an important new quality standard for the dry bulk sector, DryBMS. The standard will be governed by a new NGO to be established later this year and will support the improvement of safety in the dry bulk segment.
IMO dedicates Human Rights’ Day to seafarers
In recognition of the extraordinary effort performed by seafarers during 2020, IMO is dedicating Human Rights’ Day 10 December to the distressed seafarers that keep the world’s trade afloat.
Crew changes and abandonment top busy IMO Legal Committee agenda
The Legal Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has agreed on a new item for its future work programme relating to fair treatment of seafarers detained on suspicion of committing maritime crimes. At the Committee’s meeting on 27 November and 1-2 December, it also agreed on the development of guidelines for flag and port state authorities regarding how to deal with seafarer abandonment cases.
Amendments to California’s Marine Invasive Species Program will come into force soon
California has amended regulation in section 2298.5 in Article 4.8 of Title 2, Division 3 of Chapter 1 of the California Code of Regulations. The regulatory changes become effective on 1 January 2021. It changes the way ships should submit information through the Marine Invasive Species Program Annual Vessel Reporting Form.
BIMCO welcomes the appointment of a Danish Special Representative for Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea, Ambassador Jens-Otto Horslund.
Industry Update Following Incident in Persian Gulf
A Tanker conducting STS Operations in International waters in the Persian Gulf reported a limpet mine attached to the hull of the vessel.
Industry publishes new and improved cyber security guidelines
The fourth edition of the industry cyber risk management guidelines, Guidelines on Cyber Security Onboard Ships is now available and lays the foundation for further improvements and refinement of companies’ cyber security risk assessments.
Maritime Labour Convention 2018 Amendments enter into force next month!
The 2018 amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended ( MLC,2006) will enter into force on 26 December 2020. BIMCO advises on what these amendments are and how shipowners/ managers/ operators can achieve compliance accordingly.
The BIMCO Maritime Information department informs members on a weekly basis, updates about the COVID-19 in relation to implementation measures imposed by governments for sea transport including for crew change as well as from the United Nation bodies like the International Maritime Organization (IMO), World Health Organization (WHO) and International Labour Organization (ILO).
BIMCO provides the following update for this week ending Friday, 22 January 2021
New law in California, USA, affecting shipowners’ liability for oil pollution
Members are advised that amendments to the so-called Lempert-Keene-Seastrand Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act of 1990 in the State of California on criminal fines for oil spill violations in state waters entered into force on 1 January 2021. BIMCO takes the opportunity to remind members about the importance of strict compliance with this and other environmental laws.
Indian holiday supplement available for the BIMCO calendar
With great appreciation to our contributing members, BIMCO is now able to issue the BIMCO Holiday Calendar 2021 Supplement.
Nigeria Port Integrity Survey
The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) has launched an anonymous Port Integrity Survey to assess the impact of MACN’s efforts in Nigeria and to better understand the evolving situation in Nigerian ports and terminals.
BIMCO providing information on the latest amendments made to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code for shipment of packaged goods at sea: Amendment 40-20.
Reminder: regulatory changes will affect liquid cargo from 1 January 2021
All tankers carrying liquid cargoes governed by the International Code for Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code) and MARPOL Annex II should be checked and verified for compliance ahead of the regulatory changes that are taking effect from the new year.
BIMCO provides information about dangers associated with the carriage of certain solid bulk cargoes
There are solid bulk cargoes that are commonly transported by bulk carriers and yet many members are not familiar with the dangers that are associated with them. BIMCO provides timely information and advice on cargoes like iron ore fines, bauxite as well as cargoes that are capable of causing oxygen depletion in cargo spaces and adjacent spaces.
4th BIMCO report on the IMSBC Code Amendments - Re-classification of dangerous goods
BIMCO started reporting from 30 September 2020, a series of articles, informing members of what to expect in the revised International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code (Amendment 05-19), which will come into force on 1 January 2021. This is the 4th article in the series. Today, BIMCO reports on the re-classification of Group B cargoes in the IMSBC Code.
Market analysis
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The turbulence of the past year has in many ways clouded the underlying fundamentals in the dry bulk shipping market, but with 2020 now behind us, we are in a better position to establish an overview of expectations for 2021.
‘Phase One’ agreement boosts exports and doubles volumes from last year
October has been the best performing month of 2020 in terms of US exports of the goods outlined in the ‘Phase One’ trade agreement between the US and China. Export values of these goods totalled USD 10.3 billion, breaking the previous high of USD 7.8b in September.
Australian coal wins attention, but Indonesian exports to China have fallen the most
There has been much talk in recent weeks and months about Chinese coal policy, particularly with regard to imports from Australia, after anecdotal evidence suggest Chinese importers have been told to shun Australian thermal coal.
Container shipping: a surprisingly profitable year during challenging times, but how long can it last?
There is money to be made by both carriers and tonnage providers as volumes defy usual seasonality and remain strong into the fourth quarter of the year. On top of that, low bunker prices –, one of the keys to high profitability this year – look set to stick around.
Multimedia
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Demolition, delivery and contracting graphs updated to include December 2020.
Bunker quality alerts & prices
View whole sectionShipping KPIs
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BIMCO Shipping KPI opens a new chapter with the implementation of reporting on cost categories. BIMCO has no access nor interest in these data on the user level. We encourage users to apply information for the years 2018, 2019 and 2020 and submit valuable feedback to the BIMCO Shipping KPI team
The benefit of multiple users
Signing up more than one staff member to the company account in the Shipping KPI system provides users with access to valuable company performance information. Additionally, activating several user accounts, as opposed to just one or two, greatly lowers the risk of an inactive account if the staff member, or members, using the account, leaves the company.
BIMCO encourages users to continue reporting during the pandemic
In May, BIMCO encouraged users of the Shipping-KPI system to continue reporting during the pandemic. This month the message is reiterated.
BIMCO Shipping KPI statement concerning ships’ emission monitoring
The mandatory Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for new ships and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) for all ships are effective regulations for CO2 emissions and provide, in BIMCO’s view, tangible contributions to the global efforts to combat climate change.
Maritime digitalisation
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Standardising and harmonising electronic ship/shore communication for reporting purposes is high on the agenda at the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) virtual Facilitation Committee (FAL) meeting next week (FAL 44).
Associations call for accelerating digitalisation of maritime trade and logistics
The Covid-19 crisis has painfully demonstrated the heterogeneous landscape that currently exists across ports worldwide. With the world’s attention now focused on exiting from lockdowns and preparing for a ‘new normal’, there is an urgent need to co-operate and accelerate the pace of digitalisation, according to a number of leading maritime associations, including BIMCO.
BIMCO encourages uniform ship-port data exchange in IMO submission
BIMCO, flag administrations and port associations have submitted a proposal to the IMO Facilitation Committee to develop IMO guidelines that provide global industry standards for data and data sharing, with the aim to enhance communication and thereby efficiency during port calls.
What is BIMCO thinking about 2020?
Every year, BIMCO considers what is in store for the shipping industry and for BIMCO in the coming years, while also reflecting on the year gone by. We put all the thoughts in a magazine. This year is no different, and a range of BIMCO people have written their opinions on what the new year will bring.
