BIMCO’s Documentary Committee has officially adopted the revised SUPERMAN 2025 Standard Agreement for the Supervision of Vessel Construction, updating one of the industry’s key contracts for shipbuilding oversight.
Why SUPERMAN matters
SUPERMAN provides a clear and balanced framework for agreements between shipowners and supervision service providers for vessel construction. It ensures that responsibilities, authority, and obligations are well-defined, giving clarity and certainty and reducing risk through the build process.
Industry context
According to data from Clarkson Shipping Intelligence Network, the current orderbook stands at 6,368 ships, totalling 420 million DWT – equivalent to 16.7% of the global fleet in DWT, the highest ratio since February 2016. Since the start of the decade, the number of ships on order has surged by 69%, driven primarily by strong contracting in the container, tanker, LPG, and LNG sectors. (source: Clarkson Shipping Intelligence Network)
Similarly, S&P Global reports that as of November 2025, there were 3,551 ships under construction, an 18% increase since the start of the decade. Growth has been particularly strong in LNG, LPG, chemical tankers, container ships, general cargo vessels, and tugs. (source: S&P Global's Sea-web database)
This unprecedented level of activity underscores the importance of robust contractual frameworks like SUPERMAN to manage complex supervision requirements across multiple shipyards and vessel types.
Main areas addressed
The contract sets out the scope of supervision services in detail, including specification review, makers list review, plan approval, and site supervision. It defines the obligations of both parties, covering reporting requirements, access to shipyards, and compliance with applicable regulations. Financial provisions are also addressed comprehensively, with clear rules on fees, expenses, and budgeting, as well as secure protocols for changing nominated bank accounts. In addition, the agreement incorporates legal and compliance clauses such as law and arbitration, termination rights, and liability limitations, ensuring a robust and modern contractual framework.
Key updates in SUPERMAN 2025
The new edition updates and improves upon the previous (2016) version and incorporates amendments to align SUPERMAN with SHIPMAN 2024 and CREWMAN A and B 2025, ensuring consistency across BIMCO’s suite of management services contracts. Notable changes include:
Expanded definitions:
The definition of “Regulatory Authorities” now explicitly includes Flag State and Classification Society, reflecting their critical role in vessel construction oversight.
Enhanced Financial Security:
New subclauses in Clause 10 (Supervisors’ Fee and Expenses) set clear rules for dealing with any withholding tax liabilities and introduce a secure protocol for making any changes to the bank account.
Change of Control Clause:
Adopted from SHIPMAN and CREWMAN, this provision addresses changes in ownership of the parties, including the right to opt out and terminate the contract.
Standard BIMCO Clauses Integrated:
Personal Data Protection, Cyber Security, Sanctions and Anti-Corruption clauses are now embedded in the contract, eliminating the need for rider clauses.
Modern Compliance Features:
Provisions on waivers, warranty of authority, confidentiality, and electronic signatures ensure the contract meets current operational standards.
Benefits for the industry
The adoption of SUPERMAN 2025 provides shipowners, managers, and supervisors with a modern, comprehensive, and globally recognized framework for managing vessel construction projects. By harmonising with other BIMCO contracts, it simplifies negotiations and strengthens legal certainty.
“This new edition of SUPERMAN enhances certainty for owners and supervisors through clearer obligations, strengthened definitions, and a framework designed for modern operational realities. It’s arrival, coinciding with a period of exceptional shipbuilding activity, is very timely.” says Capt. Ajay Hazari, Chairperson of the Subcommittee tasked with the revision of SUPERMAN.
The explanatory notes accompanying the contract will be published shortly to assist users in understanding the changes and applying the agreement effectively.
Get more information, a sample copy and the explanatory notes for SUPERMAN 2025.
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