BIMCO Documentary Committee adopts new clauses and sets 2026 priorities

Adopted contracts and clauses:  

FuelEU Maritime Clause and ETS Clause for Memoranda of Agreement (MoAs) 2025:

These clauses address obligations under the EU FuelEU Maritime Regulation and Emissions Trading Schemes (ETS) in sale and purchase transactions, ensuring transparency and alignment with regulatory requirements. You can see the press release here. 

SUPERMAN:

The revised standard agreement for supervision services during vessel construction was adopted. Updates reflect recent changes in SHIPMAN and CREWMAN contracts and incorporate industry best practices. Stay tuned for an in-depth article coming up.

Other projects on the DC’s agenda: 

• ETS Clause for BARECON: Work continues on developing an ETS clause for bareboat charters to clarify compliance responsibilities and provide flexibility for owners and charterers
• SALEFORM: The DC also reviewed progress on the revision of SALEFORM which includes updates to delivery provisions, sanctions compliance, and integration of new regulatory clauses
• Biofuel Clause for Time Charter Parties: Drafting work is progressing to address the safe and efficient use of biofuels under time charter arrangements, supporting decarbonisation efforts
• CO2TIME: A new contract for the carriage of liquefied CO₂, designed to reflect operational realities and regulatory requirements in this emerging sector.
• WINDSEACON: The subcommittee is developing a hybrid contract combining for transport and installation of WTGs
• WRECKHIRE: The subcommittee is refining key clauses and developing a standard letter of security to streamline negotiations in marine salvage contracts
• HEAVYLIFTVOY: The contract is being revised to enhance Work is underway to modernise loading and discharge provisions and update the bill of lading for heavy lift shipping
• RECYCLECON: The contract for ship recycling is being revised to reflect the entry into force of the Hong Kong Convention and address reputational risks and current market practices
• Standard Clauses for Carriage of Electric Vehicles and Batteries: The subcommittee has embarked on drafting a suite of dedicated standard clauses to address transportation of electric vehicles onboard RoRo vessels and car carriers. Drafting of clauses for containerised transportation and the addressing of stationary batteries (Battery Energy Storage Systems) will follow.  

Other Highlights

The meeting featured an update on BIMCO’s regional workshops, which recently addressed sanctions compliance, cybersecurity, and energy efficiency measures. Members also discussed expedited procedures for urgent industry needs and participated in a survey on the role of AI in contractual work.