The BIMCO Charter Party Workshop Masterclass on tankers is an in-depth, expert-led training on voyage and time charter party contracts. Over two days, we will explore the key obligations of the parties, the disputes often arising, and industry standards focusing on tanker industry charter parties.
The Masterclass provides a comprehensive and practical exploration of the legal and commercial complexities of tanker chartering. Over two intensive days, you will gain a deeper understanding of the key terms in a range of voyage and time charterparty contracts, with a particular focus on, but not limited to, ASBATANKVOY and the different versions of BPVOY, SHELLVOY, and BPTIME.
The programme covers key aspects of shipowner and charterer obligations, including seaworthiness, cargo operations, laytime and demurrage disputes, payment of freight and hire, and risk allocation. Additionally, we will examine a wide range of issues, such as NOR and laytime, oil major vetting, letters of indemnity (LOIs), cargo disputes, and decarbonisation related clauses. Through expert-led discussions and case studies, you will expand and develop the skills to better assess contractual risks, resolve disputes, and negotiate more effectively.
Discounts
10% group discount is available for registering 3 or more participants from the same company.
What will you learn?
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The key features of key tanker charter party forms, including ASBATANKVOY, BPVOY, SHELLVOY, and BPTIME.
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The fundamental legal and contractual obligations of shipowners and charterers in voyage and time charters.
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The principles of laytime calculation, demurrage disputes, and Notice of Readiness (NOR) requirements.
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Payment structures in tanker chartering, including freight, deadfreight, hire payments, deductions, and off-hire scenarios.
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The legal and operational implications of deviation, cancellation, and last voyage clauses in time chartering
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The role of port nominations, berth availability, and terminal compliance in charter party agreements.
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Key cargo-handling issues, including sampling, commingling, contamination risks, and ROB (Remaining on Board) clauses.
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The importance of oil major vetting and approval processes, including contractual obligations and risk management.
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The use of Bills of Lading in tanker charters, including their interaction with charter party terms and sale contracts.
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The role and risks of Letters of Indemnity (LOIs) in tanker trades, including their legal and P&I implications.
| Day | Session | Topic | Speaker |
| Monday 20 October | 1 | The shipowner’s duties: to provide a seaworthy vessel, to care for the cargo properly and carefully, to proceed with reasonable dispatch, cancellation clauses, deviation, NOR and laytime and demurrage disputes. |
John Butler |
| 2 | The charterer’s duties: to handle the cargo safely, ensure compliance with safety protocols, to pay freight/deadfreight, to provide all port restrictions at the loading and discharging ports before fixing. | ||
| Tuesday 21 October | 3 | Time charter duration and re-delivery: overlap/underlap, illegitimate last voyages, express and implied tolerances, last voyage clauses, “without guarantee”. | Cindy Ko |
| 4 | Payment of hire and off-hire disputes: payment on time, allowed deductions, methods of payment, methods of payment of value of bunkers at delivery, remedies for non-payment of hire, withdrawal of ship from charterer’s service, anti-technicality clauses, suspension of service. | ||
| Wednesday 22 October | 5 | Bills of lading: critical issues relating to and key functions of bills of lading in tanker charter parties, interaction with the voyage charter party, sale contract and letter of credit, the Hague and Hague-Visby Rules, letters of indemnity. | Sammy Smallbone |
| 6 | Loading and discharging disputes: disputes relating to cargo sampling, implications of commingling or blending cargo, responsibilities regarding tank cleaning and cargo readiness, cargo retention and ROB clauses, contamination and shortage disputes, evidence and documentation. | Sammy Smallbone Cindy Ko | |
| Thursday 23 October | 7 | Oil major vetting and approvals: Overview of vetting and inspection clauses, how are vetting and approval processes conducted in practice, carrier’s warranty, responsibilities and potential liabilities involved. |
Ashok Srinivasan
Gudrun Janssens & Carl Lindahl |
| 8 | Decarbonisation Clauses: Overview of BIMCO decarbonisation clauses designed to address the complexities of emissions trading, fuel regulations, and carbon intensity compliance. | ||
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Friday 24 October |
9 | Letters of Indemnity: Overview of LOIs, when are LOIs required, concrete examples, standard P&I Club wordings, challenges with non-standard scenarios (e.g. flushing and commingling), risk of disputes. | Sammy Smallbone |
| 10 | Case study: A scenario-based exercise grounded in a real-world example. Participants will engage in deliberations and plenary discussions addressing broader contractual challenges within the tanker sector. | All |
Starting time (for all sessions)
08:00 UTC
10:00 CEST
See the time in your local time zone.
Why choose to participate?
This Masterclass offers a unique opportunity to gain expert knowledge of the legal, operational, and commercial complexities of tanker chartering. Whether you work for a shipowner, charterer, broker or law firm, you will be better equipped to understand the intricacies of tanker charter party contracts to mitigate risks and optimise business outcomes.
This workshop goes beyond theory by providing practical insights into real-world challenges, such as laytime disputes, off-hire claims, cargo handling issues, and clauses addressing decarbonisation. You will be engaged in interactive discussions and case studies that simulate common contractual challenges, helping to develop critical problem-solving skills. The course is led by industry professionals with extensive tanker shipping experience, ensuring attendees receive relevant and up-to-date knowledge.
By attending, you will enhance your ability to negotiate, interpret, and manage tanker charter party agreements effectively, equipping yourself with the tools needed to confidently navigate the complexities of tanker operations.
Course certification
Participants will be given an option of taking a final assessment (open-book test) at the end of the course, and Certificate of Achievement will be issued with a grade (distinction, merit or pass). Those not taking the assessment will receive a Certificate of Attendance.
Course materials
BIMCO issues electronic course files as an Adobe PDF file enabling you to make personal notes using a computer or tablet. All documentation and presentations will be in English.
