BIMCO updates GENCON contract: "Our focus is on striking the right balance between the parties involved"

In response to changes within the areas of regulation and safety, BIMCO has updated GENCON 1994 to reflect the commercial and legal requirements in today’s shipping practices, announced BIMCO on its website.

The voyage charter party, used in dry bulk trade, was last updated in 1994 and the new version addresses all terms and conditions that the commercial parties need to incorporate by means of rider clauses.

This will help companies that may not have an internal legal department to turn to for assistance. 

The drafting group engaged in the development of GENCON 2022 consisted of representatives from both the chartering and shipowning sector to assure the new version strikes the right balance with regards to the rights and obligations of both parties.  

"When we sit down and start the process of drafting standard contracts and clauses for the maritime industry, our focus is on striking the right balance between the parties involved. This is regardless of which contract or clause is on the drawing table. The drafting of GENCON 2022 reflects this," says Søren Larsen, BIMCO Deputy Secretary General.  

Focus has also been on the importance of producing a clearly worded contract that leaves little room for disputes on matters of interpretation. 

"I have been active in dry bulk shipping all my working life and have seen how important it can be to get the wording just right," says John Weale, Chairman of the drafting sub-committee.

"There is no perfect charter party, but I do believe that GENCON 2022 will go a long way towards meeting the needs of today’s industry and avoiding disputes."

The 2022 update will mark 100 years since GENCON was first launched by BIMCO, as the first edition was published in 1922.

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