BIMCO Approves First-Ever Management Agreement For Autonomous Ships

BIMCO, one of the largest international shipping associations representing shipowners, has approved the first-ever management agreement for autonomous ships.

The AUTOSHIPMAN agreement provides a standard framework for third-party managers operating remotely controlled or fully autonomous ships. This new agreement offers expanded services in the emerging autonomous vessel sector.

Remotely operated ships used mainly on inland waterways and coastal trade routes, have gained popularity worldwide. Several companies now provide remote control management services to shipowners, proving the potential of this technology.

Per industry experts, this expansion will continue as more stakeholders enter the sector.

Captain Ajay Hazari of Anglo-Eastern, who led the AUTOSHIPMAN drafting team, stated that remotely controlled ships are already being used commercially in many parts of the world.

The industry is expanding rapidly as more companies provide remote management solutions.

The AUTOSHIPMAN agreement is based on the widely used SHIPMAN contract, which governs commercial services for conventional ships.

The new agreement establishes the obligations, responsibilities, and liabilities of all parties involved in managing autonomous vessels.

One distinguishing feature is its adaptability, which allows ships to switch operational modes during a voyage.

This flexibility is essential because some nations may require remotely operated ships to be partially or fully manned while transiting territorial waters or docking at ports.

Grant Hunter, BIMCO’s Director of Standards, Innovation, and Research, said that the AUTOSHIPMAN is the company’s first move into commercial management of remotely controlled and potentially fully autonomous ships.

Legal and insurance experts, companies already operating remotely controlled ships, and others contributed valuable insights to the development process.

Reference: BIMCO

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