Maritime Operations Academy

Tailored to the needs of vessel operators, the programme provides practical insights into managing key challenges such as chartering disputes, fuel claims, port-related issues, and regulatory compliance. Each session includes practical case studies, ensuring participants can apply their knowledge to everyday vessel operations. Whether handling voyage and time chartering disputes, navigating the complexities of decarbonisation clauses, ensuring safety and compliance, or all of it, this training equips you with the tools needed to be better at doing your daily tasks.

What will you learn?

The BIMCO Maritime Operations Academy has been specially designed for vessel operators. It provides a comprehensive programme of the key operational challenges faced within the maritime industry. Over the course of four days, you will gain practical knowledge and insights into several critical areas that directly impact vessel operations, from chartering disputes to managing compliance and safety.

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Day 1: Charter Party Disputes 

Day 1 of our four-day training programme is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of key chartering dispute areas. The session will focus on voyage and time chartering disputes. In the morning, we will examine crucial topics such as deviation, “reasonable despatch”, cancellation clauses, seaworthiness, and the challenges associated with dangerous ports or cargoes. After a short break, we will explore time chartering disputes, including offhire and hire deductions, illegitimate last voyages, employment and redelivery, and speed claims. In the afternoon, we will dive into laytime and demurrage, covering the legal and financial aspects of demurrage, NOR, and time bar clauses. The day will conclude with a practical case study to reinforce the key concepts discussed.

• 09:00 - 10:30: Voyage Chartering Disputes
  
  • Deviation and “reasonable dispatch” 
  • Cancellation clauses
  • Seaworthiness, dangerous ports/cargoes

•  10:45 - 12:15: Time Chartering Disputes
  • Offhire and deductions from hire 
  • What is an Illegitimate last voyage?
  • Employment and redelivery
  • Speed claims and performance warranties
  • 13:15 - 14:45: Laytime & Demurrage
  • Demurrage and NOR, defined as legal and financial concepts
  • Damages for detention
  • Time bar clauses

• 15:00 - 17:00: Case Study 

Day 2: Bunkers and Decarbonisation 

This day will begin with an overview of BIMCO clauses related to the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), and FuelEU, offering practical advice for managing decarbonisation discussions with stakeholders. We will also examine how these clauses are applied to time and voyage charter parties. The second session covers alternative fuels like LNG, biofuels, and ammonia, their benefits, challenges, and impact on bunker operations. The final session addresses managing bunker claims, including disputes over fuel quality and volume, with advice on reading fuel delivery notes and supplier terms.

• 09:00 - 10:30: The Operational and Contractual Aspect of Decarbonisation
  • The overall thinking behind the BIMCO clauses addressing ETS, CII and FuelEU
  • New decarbonisation clauses on the horizon
  • The operational and practical challenges of negotiating and managing the new BIMCO clauses.

• 10:45 - 12:15: Alternative Fuels and Bunkers
  
  • Overview of key alternative fuels: LNG, biofuels, ammonia, and their role in reducing carbon emissions in shipping.
  • Challenges and benefits of using alternative fuels, including infrastructure requirements, supply chain issues, and operational adjustments.
  • Impact of alternative fuels on bunker operations, including cost implications, regulatory compliance, and fuel management strategies.

• 13:15 - 14:45: Managing Bunker Claims
  
  • Common causes of bunker claims including discrepancies in fuel quality, off-spec fuel, quantity and contamination.
  • Legal and contractual aspects of bunker claims, focusing on the terms and conditions in bunker delivery notes and supplier agreements.
  • Practical strategies for managing and resolving bunker disputes efficiently, including documenting claims, communicating with stakeholders, and navigating the dispute resolution process.

• 15:00 - 17:00: Case Study

Day 3: Port Operations

We will start by exploring key cargo operations which may lead to disputes, beginning with cargo securing/fastening. This session will cover legal and financial responsibilities, disputes over additional costs (e.g., lashing, trimming), and the application of international regulations like the CSS Code, with a case study on the MV PRIVOCEAN. Next, we will examine Cargo and Stevedore Damage, focusing on causes, responsibilities, and prevention strategies. In the afternoon, we will discuss Disbursement and Port Expenses, covering common disputes over fees and the importance of clear written instructions to avoid disagreements. The day will conclude with a practical case study.

• 09:00 - 10:30: Port and Cargo Operations
  
  • Discussion on the legal and financial responsibility for cargo operations based on the terms of the charter party
  • Disputes in relation to the costs of additional securing measures (e.g., lashing, strapping, trimming). Case Study: MV PRIVOCEAN.
  • The application of international rules and regulations, e.g. the Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code)

• 10:45 - 12:15: Cargo and Stevedore Damage 
  
  • Identifying common causes of cargo and stevedore damage during loading, unloading, and handling operations.
  • Legal and contractual responsibilities for cargo damage, including the roles of shipowners, charterers, stevedores and the port agent
  • Strategies for preventing damage, including proper cargo stowage, handling procedures, and cargo insurance (P&I) considerations.

• 13:15 - 14:45: Disbursement and Port Expenses
  • Identifying common disputes over port expenses, including storage costs and unexpected charges that may arise during port operations.
  • Understanding the importance of clear written instructions for disbursements and how unclear or ambiguous terms can lead to disputes, e.g. in relation to owners'/charterers' expenses 
    Strategies for managing and preventing disputes, including clear documentation and communication with the agent and port authorities.

• 15:00 - 17:00: Case Study

Day 4: Regulatory Compliance, Vessel Safety, and Risk Management

On the last training day, we will focus on regulatory compliance, vessel safety, and risk management from the perspective of vessel operators. This session will cover critical aspects of maritime operations, including international sanctions and ensuring compliance with regulations, along with the roles of shipowners, operators, and charterers. We will explore vetting, its role in maintaining safety standards, and its impact on chartering and operational performance. Additionally, we will discuss the management of delays and the implications of Force Majeure. The day will conclude with a practical case study to apply key concepts.

• 09:00 - 10:30: Sanctions & Compliance
  • Discuss the impact of international sanctions on vessel operations and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Reviewing the roles and responsibilities of shipowners, operators, and charterers in adhering to sanctions-related regulations.
  • Exploring practical steps to prevent violations, including due diligence, vessel screening, and compliance programs.

• 10:45 - 12:15: Vetting
  • Understanding the role of vetting processes in ensuring safety standards.
  • The importance of vetting to comply with international regulations, such as ISM and ISPS Codes.
  • How vetting affects chartering, operational decisions, insurance requirements, and performance. We will also discuss the processes for working with third-party cargo and vessel surveyors.

•  13:15 - 14:45: Time Management and Delays
  • Port State Control (PSC) inspections, compliance, and preparing the vessel and crew
  • Dealing with congestion, delays, weather, force majeure, war, strike and their impact
  • Discussion on the communication and coordination between stakeholders to reduce delays, enhance operational efficiency, and improve coordination.

• 15:00 - 17:00: Case Study

Why Choose to Participate?

The BIMCO Maritime Operations Academy is unique in that it is specifically tailored for vessel operators. No other short courses currently offer such focused, practical training in the core areas of vessel operations. Unlike general maritime courses, this programme addresses the specific challenges and responsibilities that vessel operators face daily, offering a targeted approach that combines legal, operational, and regulatory expertise.

This is an unparalleled opportunity for vessel operators to gain in-depth knowledge of critical topics, such as charter party disputes, bunkers and decarbonisation, port operations, and regulatory compliance and vessel safety. Many of these issues are complex, requiring a solid understanding of industry regulations and practical problem-solving skills. This course provides a comprehensive overview of these areas, backed by real-world case studies, giving participants the tools to effectively manage disputes, compliance requirements, and operational risks. Furthermore, with the rapid changes in environmental regulations and the increasing focus on sustainability, the programme offers invaluable insights into how vessel operators can navigate these shifts, particularly concerning decarbonisation and alternative fuels.

How Will This Course Help Your Professional Development?

The BIMCO Maritime Operations Academy is designed to enhance your professional development by providing you with practical, specialised knowledge that directly applies to your role as a vessel operator. Unlike general maritime training courses, this programme focuses on the challenges you encounter in day-to-day operations, ensuring that the insights gained are immediately helpful in your work environment.