New contracts launched for depositing money
Overview
BIMCO has published two new contracts to assist parties when depositing money in a sale and purchase transaction and as security for a claim in a dispute.
Two escrow agreements were adopted at the Documentary Committee meeting on 14 November 2017. They are the first industry standards for depositing money in a sale and purchase transaction, and for depositing money as security for a claim in a dispute.
Lisa-Marie Perrella, chairperson of the drafting team, said:
Up until now, parties have been left to draft individual agreements. These new forms are welcome as very useful and time saving additions for the maritime industry.
The agreement for depositing money when purchasing a ship gives the parties the necessary legal framework while at the same time it protects the person holding the money for them. As the deposit holder is offering to hold the money as a service, it is important that this person is sufficiently protected in the various stages of the process, and not held liable if, for example, the money turns out to be tainted or of dubious origin.
In the contract for depositing security for a claim, provision has been made for clearly identifying the dispute which the deposited money relates to. This is important as the same parties may have several ongoing disputes between themselves. The security can be released in two scenarios – either upon settlement of the parties or upon a final and unappealable award or judgment.
BIMCO is grateful to Lisa-Marie Perrella, Fednav (Chairperson), Stuart Plotnek and Paul Herring, Ince & Co, Christoph Bruhn, Bruhn Shipbrokers, and Magne Andersen, Nordisk Defence Club for their work in developing these new agreements.
Both contracts are available on IDEA. Sample copies and explanatory notes can be viewed below.
Feedback or a question about this information?
Posted:
22 November 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
Check Before Fixing
This publication builds upon decades of BIMCO’s experience as the world leader in developing standard shipping contracts and clauses and its daily practic...
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.
