1. Overview
In October 2025, BIMCO released the long-awaited ASBATANKVOY 2025, an updated edition of the iconic 1977 voyage charter party form for the tanker trade.
The revision aims to modernise one of the industry’s most widely used contracts in line with current regulatory frameworks (IMO 2020, EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime) and digital trading developments.
2. Key Enhancements
Modern layout and clarity – streamlined structure for freight, laytime and demurrage provisions.
Regulatory compliance – sanctions, ESG and fuel standards updated for 2025 requirements.
Laytime & demurrage clarity – new definitions of commencement and exceptions.
Environmental obligations – explicit reference to decarbonisation and alternative fuels.
Electronic Trading Clause – recognition of e-Bills and digital data exchange.
3. Practical Impact
The new form provides a forward-looking standard for voyage charters in the tanker sector, aligning legal practice with environmental and technological realities.
It serves as a basis for further BIMCO revisions, including the upcoming Laytime Definitions 2025 and Emissions Trading Clause for Voyage Charters 2023.
Sources
BIMCO – ASBATANKVOY 2025 Release Notes
BIMCO Contractual Affairs Department Guidance (October 2025)
https://www.bimco.org/contractual-affairs/bimco-contracts/contracts/asbatankvoy-2025