BIMCO (International Shipowners' Association) is introducing energy efficiency data sharing regulations for time charter contracts in 2025, aiming to enhance the optimization of ship performance and facilitate collaboration with authorized third-party service providers. These regulations allow owners and charterers to share data related to ship performance while facilitating the use of specialized services to improve ship efficiency.
Bridging Information Gaps
One of the main challenges in ship performance, especially in areas of voyage planning and routing, is the lack of complete information. Daily received reports, speed and fuel consumption estimates, and weather data that rely on approximate positions often remain as operational realities. However, most ships continuously generate high-frequency sensor data, including shaft power, RPM, fuel flow rate, speed through water, and other information related to ship conditions. This data is usually recorded, but without an appropriate legal framework, it rarely reaches those in need.
Functionality of the New Regulations
The energy efficiency data sharing regulations address existing gaps. These regulations provide a structured and legal mechanism for sharing sensor data between owners, charterers, and their representatives. This includes service providers such as weather routing companies, voyage optimization platforms, and energy management firms.
Key aspects of these regulations include:
- Access and Installation of Sensors: Charterers have the right to use sensors installed on the ship and may request owners to install additional sensors during the charter period if necessary.
- Data Rights for Charterers: Owners grant charterers and their representatives the right to use and continue using the data for monitoring and optimizing ship performance.
- Sharing with Sub-Charterers: With the owner's approval, charterers may share data with sub-charterers and their representatives.
These regulations allow routing and voyage optimization companies to provide better recommendations based on accurate and real data. With these regulations, access to data is contractually guaranteed and clearly defined, which helps in the continuous improvement of ship performance.
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