BIMCO Releases of Standard Contracts to Support Spill Response Times

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Thursday June 15, 2017

BIMCO today announced that, along with the International Spill Control Organisation (ISCO), it has launched two new spill response contracts that it says will make arranging clean-up services following a spill incident "significantly easier" to negotiate during an emergency.

One of the two contracts is tailored for international use, while the other is intended specifically for use in the U.S. - both are available free of charge at www.bimco.org.

"Timing is critical for a successful response," said Matthew Sommerville, ISCO Secretary.

"To avoid delay, the contract lets the parties sign and mobilise the response while negotiations continue on rates and charges. This means that the contracts can be negotiated in a matter of minutes and personnel and equipment can get to work immediately."

The contracts were written by experts from BIMCO, ISCO, the International Group of P&I Clubs, the International Salvage Union, and the Spill Control Association of America, with contributions from other partners, including the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation (ITOPF) and individual response contractors.

"Until now, no single standard contract for the hire of specialised spill response services and equipment has been available. Harmonised terms and conditions will help speed the process of getting essential spill response equipment on site as soon as possible," said Tony Paulson, a Director at the West of England P&I Club.

The terms and conditions or the contracts are set out in standard clauses, along with accompanying annexes for different parties to insert detailed descriptions of the required services and rates for personnel and equipment.

BIMCO announced last year that it had begun work with ISCO in London for the development of the standard contracts.