2020 Marine Fuel Sulphur Content Clause for Time Charter Parties

BIMCO has produced two clauses for time charter parties to address key contractual issues relating to the switch to fuel with a maximum sulphur content of 0.50% as of 1 January 2020. The two clauses are the 2020 Marine Fuel Sulphur Content Clause, which replaces the BIMCO Fuel Sulphur Content Clause 2005, and the 2020 Fuel Transition Clause, which deals with switching between fuel with a maximum sulphur content of 3.50% and fuel with a maximum sulphur content of 0.50% by 1 January 2020. Both clauses should be incorporated into time charter parties. This clause was published on 10 December 2018.

IMO issues fuel oil safety recommendations ahead of 2020

The 101st session of the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 101) has held initial discussions in London on how to address the safety of ships when using fuel oil.

LNG Fuel Quality Clause for Time Charter Parties

In 2021 BIMCO initiated a project to develop a suite of LNG fuel clauses for time charter parties. The number of LNG fuelled ships in operation is growing steadily and the suite reflects the need to have bespoke clauses in time charters for these ships. The LNG clauses cover matters related to the LNG quality, delivery/redelivery, gas-freeing and cooling down and an operational clause. For dual-fuel ships the clauses are intended to be used together with the existing BIMCO bunker clauses for conventional fuel oils. The current suite of LNG fuel clauses for use in time charter parties also consists of: LNG Bunker Operational Clause for Time Charter Parties LNG Fuel Delivery Clause LNG Fuel Gas freeing and Cool down Clause

Recorded 15+15 webinar: Alternative Fuels

Marie Münster, Professor of Management Engineering at DTU (Technical University of Denmark), presented the main findings of the MarE-Fuel project, where a number of scenarios were analysed. She also looks ahead to upcoming research.

IMDG Code criteria for use of data loggers sensors and cargo trackers during transport

New criteria for tracking and monitoring equipment used in transport of dangerous goods under the International Maritime Dangerous Goods ( IMDG) Code were finalised at the International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s Sub-Committee for the Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC) at their 8th meeting held from 14 to 23 September 2022. A transitional phase for implementation was also introduced.

Confusion on the use of manoeuvring fuel in the Panama Canal

The use of maneuvering fuel when passing Panama Canal waters has been stated by the Panama Canal Authorities after a change in their notifications.

BIMCO, ICS, INTERCARGO and INTERTANKO launch survey to identify fuel oil issues

The IMO 2020 global sulphur limit for marine fuel oil has now been in force for over one month. BIMCO, ICS, INTERCARGO and INTERTANKO are calling on fleet- and vessel managers, as well as technical superintendents, to share their insight and experiences with the new IMO 2020 compliant fuels.

Marine Diesel Oil (MDO), Intermediate Fuel Oil (IFO) and heavy Fuel Oil (HFO)

Remember to complete the fuel oil quality and safety survey before 6 May

The IMO 2020 global sulphur regulation for marine fuel oil has now been in force for over three months. BIMCO, ICS, INTERCARGO and INTERTANKO are calling on fleet- and vessel managers, as well as technical superintendents, to share their insight and experiences with the new IMO 2020 compliant fuels.

Is on board fuel blending allowed?

The fuel oil carriage ban from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that will come into force on 1 March 2020 has prompted questions regarding the possibility of blending fuel on board ships to achieve compliance. Here, BIMCO offers its view on the regulatory aspects of whether on board blending can be considered compliant.