1. Overview
BIMCO has announced the release of the Offshore Rider to SHIPMAN 2024, a dedicated supplement to the SHIPMAN 2024 ship management agreement, tailored to meet the operational and risk profile of the offshore industry.
The Rider provides a comprehensive contractual framework for vessels engaged in offshore construction, cable laying, wind farm installation and service operations.
2. Main Features
• Extended scope of management services – covering planning, coordination and supervision of offshore works.
• Enhanced HSE and safety compliance – aligning with IMCA, OCIMF, ISO 45001, and G+ standards.
• Risk allocation clarity – improved definitions of liabilities, insurance coverage and interface management.
• ESG and emissions reporting – ensuring transparency under IMO DCS and EU ETS frameworks.
3. Practical Relevance
The Offshore Rider represents a significant evolution of the SHIPMAN model, aligning it with the needs of the renewable and offshore energy sectors.
It is expected to become the default international standard for offshore vessel management agreements from 2026 onward.
Sources
• BIMCO Offshore Rider to SHIPMAN 2024 (Draft – October 2025)
• BIMCO Ship Management Committee – Offshore Subgroup
• Marek Czernis Law Office internal notes and consultations