BIMCO Adopts New CII Clause for Voyage Charter Parties

International shipping association BIMCO has adopted a new CII clause for voyage charter parties as a means of improving collaboration between shipowners and charterers to assist compliance and cut emissions. 

The clause relates to the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) regime which came into effect on 1st January 2023. Applying to ships of more than 5,000 gross tons, the CII regime cuts through traditional ship owner/charterer relationships, and requires much closer collaboration between the two parties to reduce the carbon intensity of a ship’s operations.

The new clause was developed by a subcommittee following BIMCO’s adoption of the CII Operations Clause for Time Charter Parties in November 2022.

Describing the impetus behind the new clause, Nicholas Fell, chair of BIMCO’s Documentary Committee, said: 

“As the shipping industry works towards decarbonisation, the need for new contracts and clauses increases. We are working constantly to ensure that BIMCO’s contracts and clauses are fit for purpose as the regulatory landscape changes”.

Stinne Taiger Ivø provided more information about the CII clause directly, saying: 

“The new CII clause focuses on course adjustment and speed reduction and includes commercial elements such as data sharing. Throughout the process, drafts were shared with the Documentary Committee and a sounding board consisting of charterers and traders for consultation and comments”.

The CII clause is one of a number of new carbon-related clauses that have been passed by BIMCO in recent years. Others include the EEXI Transition clause, published in December 2021, and the Emissions Trading System Allowance (ETSA) clause for time charter parties, published at the end of May 2022. 

Need assistance with regulatory compliance? 

If you need assistance ensuring your vessels remain compliant with applicable emissions standards and conventions, Brookes Bell’s Master Mariners can help. 

With decades of real-world experience, our Master Mariners can advise on a broad range of issues including the IMO’s 2023 Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships, MARPOL and more. 

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