BIMCO has released the crew change COVID-19 crew change clause for time charter parties 2020, says a press release published on their website.
Highlights of crew changes clause
a) In addition to any other right to deviate under this contract, the Vessel shall have the liberty to deviate for crew changes if COVID-19-related restrictions prevent crew changes from being conducted at the ports or places to which the Vessel has been ordered or within the scheduled period of call. Any deviation under this clause shall not be deemed to be an infringement or breach of this contract, and Owners shall not be liable for any loss or damage resulting therefrom.
(b) Owners shall exercise the right under subclause (a) above with due regard to Charterers’ interests and shall notify Charterers in writing as soon as reasonably possible of any intended deviation for crew change purposes.
(c) Charterers shall procure that subclause (a) shall be incorporated into any and all sub-charter parties, bills of lading, waybills, or other documents evidencing contracts of carriage issued pursuant to this Charter Party.
(d) During the period of such deviation the Vessel shall:
(i)* remain on hire, but at a reduced rate of the hire of USD ……….. per day. In the absence of an agreed amount, fifty percent (50%) of the hire rate shall apply. The cost of bunkers consumed shall be shared equally between Owners and Charterers.
(ii)* be off-hire and the cost of bunkers consumed shall be for Owners’ account.
(e) While the Vessel is at the port of deviation all port charges, pilotage and other expenses arising out of such crew changes shall be for the Owners’ account.
*(d)(i) and (d)(ii) are alternatives. Delete whichever is not applicable. In the absence of deletions alternative (d)(i) shall apply.
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Source: BIMCO
