21 March 2023
The 47th session of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Facilitation Committee (FAL) was held in London at the IMO headquarters on 13-17 March. A BIMCO delegation was present with the aim to raise awareness of the importance of digitalisation within the maritime industry, calling for the IMO to develop a specific strategy on digitalisation.
10 July 2023
The revised IMO GHG reduction strategy agreed during the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting (MEPC 80) in London on 7 July 2023 marks a new beginning of the efforts to limit shipping’s GHG emissions.
17 August 2023
Driven by continued growth in minor ore demand in China, global seaborne minor ore exports rose 7% y/y in the first seven months of 2023, vastly outpacing the 2% y/y growth in overall dry bulk exports.
22 February 2023
In Athens last week, the leaders of the major shipping industry trade associations agreed to work together to prioritise seafarers.
14 February 2023
Helen is Senior Solicitor (FD&D) at The North of England P&I Association Limited. Helen joined North in 2012 and is in the FD&D department. As well as supporting American, European and UK Members with their FD&D matters, Helen is an active member of North's decarbonisation working group and is on BIMCO’s carbon clauses drafting committee. Helen is also part of North’s sanctions advice expertise group. Helen studied law with French at Leicester University (which included a year at Jean Moulin University in Lyon studying French law) and the Legal Practice Course at Northumbria University (Newcastle) prior to being admitted as a Solicitor of England and Wales in September 2008. Helen worked for international law firm Eversheds LLP in Newcastle where she undertook both non-contentious and contentious work prior to joining North in September 2012.
12 May 2022
Life at sea helped Lois Zabrocky develop an openness and aptitude to problem-solving that are being deployed to the full as she confronts the challenges facing shipping from the boardroom.
25 September 2023
The BIMCO Masterclass is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of time chartering. The course will use case studies as the primary learning tool to allow you to develop a knowledge of the practical aspects of time chartering and its application in the daily operation of vessels. On the first day, we will begin with a general introduction to the practical aspects of time chartering seen from both the perspective of the owners and charterers. We will discuss how to identify and negotiate the best terms for a particular charter, and how to create and manage the charter party before and during the fixture. This part of the course will also cover disputes related to various daily issues, including seaworthiness and the obligation to issue and comply with voyage and employment orders. One of the key areas of dispute is the description of the vessel. The charter party will include a description of the vessel, and if the vessel does not meet these specifications, the charterer may claim damages from the owner. Another area of dispute is performance claims. The charter party will typically include provisions relating to the vessel's performance, such as speed and fuel consumption. If the vessel fails to meet these performance targets, the charterer may claim damages from the owner. Finally, we will discuss the disputes concerning the duration of the charter, especially in relation to redelivery, where disputes and discussions often occur concerning the vessel's last voyage. On the second day, we will look at common disputes related to the payment of hire. These include failure to meet the pre-agreed terms and conditions, unexpected delays or cancellations, failure to pay hire on time, disagreements over the amount of hire due, and failure to comply with any of the charter party terms and conditions on payments. All time charter parties contain an off-hire clause providing exceptions from the strict obligation for charterers to pay hire from delivery until redelivery. The specific terms of the off-hire clause will determine whether any particular event entitles the charterers to place the ship off-hire, and for how long. The course will conclude with a review of all the topics covered as a case study, enabling you to consolidate your understanding of the principles, practical aspects, and legal framework of a time chartering agreement.
02 May 2023
The BIMCO Masterclass is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of time chartering. The course will utilise case studies as the primary learning tool to allow you to develop a knowledge of the practical aspects of time chartering and its application in the daily operation of vessels. On the first day, we will begin with a general introduction to the practical aspects of time chartering seen from both the perspective of the owners and charterers. We will discuss how to identify and negotiate the best terms for a particular charter, and how to create and manage the charter party before and during the fixture. This part of the course will also cover disputes related to various daily issues, including seaworthiness and the obligation to issue and comply with voyage and employment orders. One of the key areas of dispute is the description of the vessel. The charter party will include a description of the vessel, and if the vessel does not meet these specifications, the charterer may claim damages from the owner. Another area of dispute is performance claims. The charter party will typically include provisions relating to the vessel's performance, such as speed and fuel consumption. If the vessel fails to meet these performance targets, the charterer may claim damages from the owner. Finally, we will discuss the disputes concerning the duration of the charter, especially in relation to redelivery, where disputes and discussions often occur concerning the vessel's last voyage. On day 2, we will look at common disputes related to the payment of hire. These include failure to meet the pre-agreed terms and conditions, unexpected delays or cancellations, failure to pay hire on time, disagreements over the amount of hire due, and failure to comply with any of the charter party terms and conditions on payments. All time charter parties contain an off-hire clause providing exceptions from the strict obligation for charterers to pay hire from delivery until redelivery. The specific terms of the off-hire clause will determine whether any particular event entitles the charterers to place the ship off-hire, and for how long. The course will conclude with a review of all the topics covered as a case study, enabling you to consolidate your understanding of the principles, practical aspects, and legal framework of a time chartering agreement.
24 August 2020
With the future of crewing high on the agenda, BIMCO and ICS are preparing for the launch of the latest Seafarer Workforce Report (previously known as the Manpower Report), the industry standard resource for ship operators, agencies and governments seeking the market intelligence they need to develop crewing and training strategies fit for the future.
05 May 2022
In an effort to keep seafarer training, certification and watchkeeping aspects in line with developments in the shipping industry, and to address several challenges faced by seafarers, the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has agreed to start a comprehensive review and revision of the STCW Convention and Code. The work is expected to begin at the HTW sub-committee next year.