Maritime organisation BIMCO has adopted a new Emission Trading Scheme Allowances Clause for use with BARECON 2017, its standard bareboat charter agreement, to help parties allocate emissions compliance responsibilities under such contracts.

The clause is intended to align with existing contractual structures while supporting compliance with the EU ETS and similar emission trading schemes. It represents the latest addition to BIMCO’s portfolio of carbon-related clauses.

At the same meeting, a separate Biofuel Clause for Time Charter Parties was presented for adoption. However, the Documentary Committee identified several aspects requiring further consideration before approval, particularly given the evolving regulatory landscape and the novelty of certain biofuels and their potential operational impacts on vessels.

BIMCO stated that the wording must ensure legal certainty and reflect the practical realities faced by shipowners and charterers, underscoring the thorough process required to finalise its standard clauses.

The subcommittee will now review the comments and consider any necessary revisions, with the aim of preparing the biofuel clause for adoption at a later stage. BIMCO said it will provide a further update as the work progresses.

All BIMCO contracts and clauses are available through SmartCon, the organisation’s online contract editor.