Check Before Fixing 2021

This publication builds upon decades of BIMCO’s experience as the world leader in developing standard shipping contracts and clauses and its daily practice of advising BIMCO members about contractual issues.

Access to this wealth of experience is included in Check Before Fixing 2021 and it will assist you during negotiations. The publication is packed with comprehensive information and advice that helps you avoid contractual pitfalls and better understand the consequences of your commercial decisions.

Most charter party related queries that are answered by BIMCO’s Support & Advice Team are about problems arising after a contract has been signed. “Check Before Fixing 2021” is an essential tool to use before committing to a contract. After all, prevention is better than a cure. But this publication is also a great reference if disputes arise under existing contracts.

Disregarding the advice provided in “Check before Fixing 2021” can turn out to be a costly affair. The new and clearer structure makes it easy to find the information you need to assess your risk and the implications of the terms of your fixtures.

Ask yourself; can you afford not to buy Check before Fixing?

Foreword

BIMCO’s Check Before Fixing 2021

There is a lot of focus on risk management in shipping nowadays and BIMCO’s publication “Check Before Fixing 2021” is a handy tool in this respect. This publication is a practical handbook specifically intended for shipping practitioners – in fact, it is a “must have” for anyone working in a company’s chartering department.

“Check Before Fixing” has been a useful tool on the basic principles in daily chartering and other shipping transactions for decades and builds upon BIMCO’s expertise in terms of advising members about contractual topics and disputes.

Access to this wealth of experience will assist you during negotiations. The book is packed with comprehensive information and advice that helps you avoid contractual pitfalls and better understand the consequences of your commercial decisions.

Most charter party related queries that are answered by BIMCO’s Support & Advice Team are about problems arising after a contract has been signed. “Check Before Fixing 2021” is an essential tool to use before committing to a contract. After all, prevention is better than a cure. But this publication is also a great reference if disputes arise under existing contracts.

Don’t read “Check before Fixing 2021” from A to Z but use the new and clearer structure to find the information relevant for your query. The help is at your fingertips and should be used extensively to highlight the implications of the terms negotiated and prepare for future fixtures.

I strongly recommend this book for any person involved in the chartering and operation of ships.

Søren Larsen Deputy Secretary General BIMCO

Contents Listing

Foreword

Chapter 1 Voyage chartering

Chapter 2 Time chartering

Chapter 3 Booking note

Chapter 4 Bills of lading

Chapter 5 Chartering advice

Section 1 Voyage charters

Section 2 Time charters

Chapter 6 Sanctions compliance

Chapter 7 Infectious and contagious diseases

Chapter 8 Ship operational requirements

Chapter 9 Maritime security

Chapter 10 Cyber security

The advantages of BIMCO membership

About the Author

BIMCO is the world’s largest direct-membership organisation for shipowners, charterers, shipbrokers and agents. In total, around 60% of the world’s merchant fleet is a BIMCO member, measured by tonnage (weight of the unloaded ships).

The organisation has NGO status and is based in Copenhagen, Denmark, with offices in Athens, Singapore and Shanghai.

With around 1900 member companies across 120 countries, from the largest shipowners in the world to small local port agents and law firms, BIMCO represents a wide range of maritime companies and organisations.

BIMCO’s goal is to secure a level playing field for the global shipping industry. BIMCO therefore works to promote and secure global standards and regulations for the maritime sector. The organisation’s century long effort into creating standard contracts and clauses is an expression of that aim.