Bareboat chartering is one of the most far-reaching contractual arrangements in shipping, fundamentally reallocating operational responsibility, risk, and control of the vessel between owner and charterer. While often perceived as a “simple” lease of a ship, bareboat charters raise complex legal, technical, and commercial issues throughout the lifecycle of the contract.
This BIMCO 180 seminar provides a practical and structured introduction to bareboat chartering, with a focused review of the key clauses of BARECON 2017, guided by BIMCO’s Explanatory Notes. Across two interactive online sessions, participants will explore how the contract operates in practice, where disputes typically arise, and how risk and responsibility are allocated between the parties. The seminar is designed to bridge theory and practice by combining contractual analysis with real-world examples from the perspectives of owners and charterers.
Who should attend?
This seminar is relevant for professionals involved in negotiating, managing, or advising on bareboat charter arrangements, including:
- Shipowners and asset managers
- Bareboat charterers and operators
- Commercial and contract managers
- Technical and marine superintendents
- Legal, insurance, and risk management professionals
The course is suitable both for those new to bareboat chartering and for experienced practitioners seeking a refresher or deeper contractual insight into BARECON 2017.
What will you learn?
Day 1: Foundations of Bareboat Chartering (90 minutes)
- Introduction to bareboat chartering: a practical guide and key commercial and operational considerations
- BARECON 2017 key clauses – Part I
- Delivery and redelivery, including condition surveys
- Practical examples of disputes from both owners’ and charterers’ perspectives
- Familiarisation and standard operating procedures for surveys
- Insurance and repairs under a bareboat charter
- The relationship between BARECON and newbuilding contracts
Day 2: Risk Allocation and Contract Management (90 minutes)
- BARECON 2017 key clauses – Part II
- Payment of hire and suspension of hire
- Termination rights and consequences
- Class and regulatory requirements, including the cost of required modifications and retrofitting
- Indemnities and liabilities, with a focus on risk allocation under Clause 22
Learning objectives
- By the end of this BIMCO 180 seminar, participants will be able to:
- Understand the commercial and legal characteristics of bareboat chartering
- Identify the key risk areas in BARECON 2017 and how the contract allocates responsibility between the parties
- Navigate delivery and redelivery procedures, including condition surveys and dispute-prone areas
- Understand the allocation of insurance, repair obligations, and regulatory compliance costs
- Understand termination, hire payment, and suspension mechanisms
- Apply BIMCO’s Explanatory Notes to interpret and manage BARECON 2017 in practice
Course format
BIMCO 180 seminars comprise two 90-minute live online sessions delivered by two experienced BIMCO trainers from the law firm Gorrisen & Federspiel in Copenhagen, with extensive practical and contractual experience. The format combines practical examples and interactive discussion, enabling participants to apply the principles directly to real-life bareboat charter scenarios. Participants will receive electronic course materials after the seminar.
Starting Time
9:00 UTC
10:00 CET
See the time in your local time zone
Why attend this BIMCO 180 seminar?
Bareboat charters fundamentally change the balance of risk, responsibility, and control over a vessel. A clear understanding of how BARECON 2017 works in practice is therefore essential for anyone involved in structuring or managing these arrangements. This seminar provides participants with a practical, contract-focused understanding of bareboat chartering, helping them anticipate disputes, manage contractual obligations, and make informed decisions throughout the life of a bareboat charter.
