New contract will help speed spill response times
Overview
BIMCO and ISCO have launched two new spill response contracts to make the task of arranging clean-up services following a spill incident significantly easier to negotiate in an emergency.
The two standard contracts are a first for spill response contractors. One is tailored for international use and the other is specifically for use in the United States and both are available free of charge from www.bimco.org.
The contracts have been written by a group of experts from BIMCO, ISCO, the International Group of P&I Clubs, the International Salvage Union and the Spill Control Association of America. Other partners, including ITOPF and individual response contractors, also contributed.
Tony Paulson, West of England P&I Club, who led the drafting team, said:
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
Matthew Sommerville, International Spill Control Organization (ISCO) added:
Timing is critical for a successful response. 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 two contracts, RESPONSECON and US RESPONSECON, are designed for spill incidents and enable those involved to obtain clean-up services and hire specialised personnel and equipment without delay.
The terms and conditions are set out in standard clauses with accompanying annexes for the different parties to insert detailed descriptions of the required services and rates for personnel and equipment.
The contracts and explanatory notes can be obtained through BIMCO’s website and any questions can be sent to contracts@bimco.org.
Feedback or a question about this information?
Posted:
15 June 2017
VPS Bunker Alerts
Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) publish regular Bunker Alerts based entirely on fuel samples and have kindly permitted BIMCO’s Members to access this information.
The Bunker Alerts are not intended to be an evaluation of overall bunker quality in the port or area concerned, but usually highlight a specific parameter within the fuel which has raised a quality issue.
Latest ice reports for members
Latest piracy reports
Latest industry releasable threats
Related publication
Ship Management Contracts
The handy guide contains explanatory notes to all of BIMCO’s current standard ship management contracts.
Related training
Commodity Trading & Chartering Masterclass Online
- Online, Online
- 03 February, 2025
Commodity Trading & Chartering Masterclass Online is a series of 10 online sessions delivered over 5 days. Each day will run for 2x75 minutes with a short break...
ELSEWHERE ON BIMCO
Contracts & Clauses
All of BIMCO's most widely used contracts and clauses as well as advice on managing charters and business partners.
Learn about your cargo
For general guidance and information on cargo-related queries.
BIMCO Publications
Want to buy or download a BIMCO publication? Use the link to get access to the ballast water management guide, the ship master’s security manual and many other publications.
About a new business partner
We can help members check new business partners. We also help to recover millions of USD (undisputed) funds every year.
