The world’s first standardised contract terms and conditions for use in container shipping markets worldwide was launched at the 2015 Containerisation International Conference in Hamburg on 22 April.
Global Shippers Forum (GSF) has joined forces with the Baltic International Maritime Council Organisation in a two-year discussions to develop the BIMCO/GSF SERVICECON container shipping contract.
The GSF has also provided clause by clause analysis of the terms and conditions and legal guidance on the standard terms and conditions.
The BIMCO/ GSF Contract has been originally devised to meet the needs of small and medium sized shippers, although GSF believes that it will be useful for many larger shippers too, especially those with cargo shipments outside of the scope of the individualised contracts.
“GSF is delighted to have joined forces with BIMCO in creating the world’s first Standard Container Contract. Container shipping is characterised by a small number of very large shippers with high shipment demands, many of whom have individualised service contract arrangements, but the majority of small to medium sized shippers who transportation needs range from relatively modest cargo movements to significant numbers of containers haven’t been able to negotiate firm contractual agreements – until now,” says GSF Secretary-General – Chris Welsh .
“Many large multi-national shippers have developed their own bespoke contractual arrangements, until now no contract has been available to meet the needs of small and medium sized shippers,” he added.