Framework for autonomous shipping
The Baltic and International Maritime Council (Bimco) is currently preparing the first contract model for the operation of autonomous vessels.
The first version is planned to be published in 2021. It will be an adaptation of the current Shipman 2009 contract for management technical and commercial of ships, crews and insurance, widely used and known by the sector.
According to Bimco, in most cases, this type of vessel is being commissioned by their shippers or end users, to operate in a specific traffic during its entire useful life, so there is no need for model insurance chartering.
Thus, the first technical-nautical operators of autonomous vessels will be naval managers who will also be able to provide the remote control centre and the personnel to operate the vessels from land or on board. (cd)