BIMCO’s Documentary Committee has recently approved the AUTOSHIPMAN agreement to support the increasing number of remotely controlled vessels.
This new agreement is based on the widely adopted SHIPMAN agreement, which governs commercial services and outlines obligations, responsibilities, and liabilities.
A key feature of AUTOSHIPMAN is its flexibility, allowing vessels to switch operational modes even mid-voyage.
The AUTOSHIPMAN deal establishes a standardized contractual framework, enabling third-party ship managers to provide operational services for remotely controlled and fully autonomous ships. Currently, these types of vessels are primarily employed in inland waterways and coastal trades, but the industry is expanding rapidly.
The sector is experiencing growth as remotely controlled ships are already operating commercially in various regions.
