BIMCO approves AUTOSHIPMAN 31.01.2025 14:04BIMCO has announced the approval of the AUTOSHIPMAN agreement by its Documentary Committee.
The AUTOSHIPMAN agreement provides a standard contractual foundation for third-party ship managers to deliver services for the operation of remotely controlled or fully autonomous ships. Remotely controlled ships are currently used primarily in inland waterways and coastal trades, but the sector is growing.
The agreement has been developed using the widely used SHIPMAN agreement to govern commercial services and provide the framework for the obligations, responsibilities, and liabilities. One of the key features of AUTOSHIPMAN is the flexibility that allows ships to switch operational modes even during a voyage.
The flexibility matters because it may be a legal requirement for remotely controlled ships to be partially or fully manned when passing through the territorial waters of a jurisdiction or for calling at a port.
The AUTOSHIPMAN agreement includes a range of features to address the unique demands of autonomous ship operations, such as:
- Remote Operations: Detailed provisions for monitoring and controlling vessels from shore-based facilities.
- Liability and Insurance: Adjustments to liability frameworks and insurance requirements tailored to autonomous operations.
- Maintenance and Support: Clear guidelines for maintaining remote and onboard systems essential for autonomous functionality.
