Welcome to the BIMCO Maritime Operations Academy, a comprehensive four-day training programme designed for vessel operators. This course offers an in-depth exploration of essential operational topics, including charter party disputes, bunkers & decarbonisation, port operations, and regulatory compliance & vessel safety.
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.
Detailed course programme will be available soon.
Overview
Day 1: Charter Party Disputes
Participants begin with a deep dive into common dispute areas under voyage and time charter parties. The morning covers fundamental issues such as deviation, reasonable despatch, cancellation clauses, seaworthiness, and the handling of dangerous ports or cargoes. The programme then moves into time chartering challenges, including off‑hire disputes, hire deductions, illegitimate last voyages, employment and redelivery obligations, and speed and performance claims.
In the afternoon, the focus shifts to laytime and demurrage, exploring the legal and financial nature of demurrage, the role of NOR, and the operation of time-bar clauses. The day concludes with a practical case study to consolidate learning.
Day 2: Bunkers and Decarbonisation
This day introduces the contractual and operational implications of decarbonisation, with an emphasis on the latest BIMCO clauses related to ETS, CII, and FuelEU. Participants gain practical insights into negotiating, managing, and applying these clauses within both voyage and time charter contexts.
The second session examines key alternative fuels—including LNG, biofuels, and ammonia—highlighting their benefits, challenges, infrastructure needs, and impact on bunker operations. The day winds up with a detailed walkthrough of bunker claims management, covering fuel quality and quantity disputes, delivery documentation, and strategies for resolving disagreements efficiently.
Day 3: Port Operations
Participants explore operational practices that frequently give rise to disputes at ports. The first session examines legal and financial responsibility for cargo operations, disputes relating to lashing, fastening, and trimming, and the application of international rules such as the CSS Code, illustrated through the MV PRIVOCEAN case study.
Further sessions explore common causes of cargo and stevedore damage, associated responsibilities, and key prevention strategies. The programme then turns to disbursements and port expenses, unpacking frequent points of contention, the importance of clear instructions to agents, and best practices for avoiding disputes. A case study at the end of the day reinforces key operational principles.
Day 4: Regulatory Compliance, Vessel Safety & Risk Management
The final day focuses on the regulatory landscape governing vessel operations. Participants examine the impact of international sanctions, due diligence requirements, compliance structures, and the responsibilities of operators, owners, and charterers.
A dedicated session on vetting highlights its role in safety, regulatory compliance, and commercial performance, and looks at working effectively with surveyors and inspection regimes. The afternoon explores time management and delays, covering PSC inspections, congestion, weather, war, strikes, and force majeure events. A final case study integrates the core themes of risk management and operational excellence.
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.
What is included?
The course fee covers four days of tuition, teaching materials, lunch, and coffee breaks. Taxes such as value-added or other indirect taxes applicable in any country are not included.
Accommodation is not part of the course package.
