SUPPLYTIME – new special tasks annexes

SUPPLYTIME was originally designed for the chartering of offshore support vessels, but it is also frequently used for the chartering of many other and more specialised vessels within both the traditional offshore oil and gas industry, as well as the rapidly expanding offshore wind industry. In recognition of this broader usage within the industry as a whole, BIMCO has proposed 4 new annexes for incorporation with SUPPLYTIME, covering helideck and helicopter operations, walk-to-work, extended offshore operations and crew qualifications.

The annexes are specifically adapted to SUPPLYTIME 2017, but with adjustments to the numbering of the clauses, the annexes can easily be used for previous editions of the form.

Helideck and helicopter operations

The annex for helideck and helicopter operations sets out specific requirements for helideck structures and ­helicopter operations, as well as necessary certifications, crew qualifications and safety-related requirements for personnel engaging in helicopter operations onboard a vessel. The standard for the helideck quality is based on the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s standard for offshore helicopter landing areas (CAP 437) or its equivalent, and the relevant helideck support structure must be approved by class and fully certified by the relevant civil aviation authority in the area of operation.

Walk-to-work operations

The annex for walk-to-work operations can be applied in cases where a vessel is fitted with a motion compensated gangway that will be used to provide transfer of personnel or cargo between the relevant vessel and an offshore unit. The annex also includes provisions for regulatory requirements, safety aspects and the obligations and responsibilities of the charterer and owners during such walk-to-work operations. The annex also contemplates situations where the gangway is retrofitted on a vessel prior to commencement of operations under the charterparty.

Extended offshore operations

The annex for extended offshore operations covers situations where a charterer requires a vessel to remain offshore for extended periods and thereby is forced to carry out activities offshore that it would normally undertake in port such as crew transfers, bunkering and provisioning etc. The annex does however allow for the vessel’s attendance at port for the purposes of statutory or mandatory surveys or inspections, provided that the owner gives the relevant charterer a minimum of 10 days’ notice of any such required survey or inspection.

Crew qualifications

The annex for manning and crew qualifications is aimed at addressing the situation where the complexity of the offshore operations gives rise to specific requirements from the charterer for ­particular crew qualifications. The annex covers manning levels, crew certifications and training, as well as situations where the charterer requires additional training, certifications or qualifications for the owner’s personnel.

Going forward

The new annexes are aimed at providing a set of templates regulating various practical situations that are regularly faced by the offshore industry. That said, a specific project may still require tailor made provisions to suit the relevant operations, the allocation of operational responsibilities and the commercial division of risk.

In addition to the abovementioned annexes, BIMCO has also announced that several other annexes are under development. These include annexes for dynamic positioning, remotely operated underwater vehicles, crane operations (surface and subsea), cable laying, diving services and hybrid propulsion.

Wikborg Rein are closely following the development of BIMCO’s standards for offshore services. We are also participating on the drafting committee for the ASVTIME, the new standard time charter party for accommodation service vessels which is due to be launched later this year.