Spill response tackled in new contract

Overview

The International Spill Control Organization (ISCO) and BIMCO are working together to develop a standard contract for spill response services. The contract is expected to be published by the end of the year.

The International Spill Control Organization (ISCO) and BIMCO are working together to develop a standard contract for spill response services. The contract is expected to be published by the end of the year.

The Spill Response Services and Equipment Contract is designed for situations where a spill incident occurs and the shipowner or other stakeholder (the “requesting party”) needs to contract for clean-up services, counter pollution measures, and hire of equipment. Terms and conditions are set out in standard clauses with accompanying annexes for parties to insert detailed descriptions of the required services and rates for personnel and equipment.

Emergency situations require a prompt response. In order to avoid delay the contract envisages that the parties are able to sign it and mobilise the response while negotiations continue on rates and charges. Mobilisation of personnel and equipment can then begin promptly leaving parties to focus on the operation itself.

The specialist drafting committee comprises representatives from BIMCO, ISCO, the International Group of P&I Clubs (IG) and the International Salvage Union (ISU).

During the development process stakeholders such as ITOPF and the IG Pollution Subcommittee’s Vessel Response Plan Working Group have been consulted. The next step will be to receive further input on the draft before it is presented to BIMCO’s Documentary Committee and the ISCO Committee for approval. Interested contractors and shipowners can contact BIMCO or ISCO at info@spillcontrol.org for further information.

Grant Hunter
in London,

Coronavirus

Access BIMCO's COVID-19 related articles and advice.

Read more

 
 

ELSEWHERE ON BIMCO

Contracts & Clauses

All of BIMCO's most widely used contracts and clauses as well as advice on managing charters and business partners.

Learn about your cargo

For general guidance and information on cargo-related queries.

More about cargo

BIMCO Publications

Want to buy or download a BIMCO publication? Use the link to get access to the ballast water management guide, the ship master’s security manual and many other publications.