“Slow steaming” is when service speed is lowered but where the vessel can safely steam
The Slow Steaming Clause for Time Charter Parties was reviewed when the Working Group met in Copenhagen on 14 October. The Group were joined by a technical expert from engine manufacturer Wärtsilä with the purpose of shedding some light on the advantages and technical challenges that shipowners face when agreeing to slow steam. A solution was found to the technical issues which had been holding up the adoption of the clause.
The clause is designed for tankers, dry bulk and container vessels and it introduces a two-tier approach to slow steaming, either “slow steaming” or “ultra slow steaming”. “Slow steaming” is when service speed is lowered according to the charterers’ request, but where the vessel can safely steam without the use of the vessel’s engine auxiliary blowers. According to the advice received from several engine experts all vessels, provided that they have been well-maintained, will be able to lower the speed until this point without requiring modifications or the keeping of extra spares and without suffering damage to the engines and other parts of the vessel.
“Ultra slow steaming” is when the vessel’s service speed is lowered even further, such as is seen with the super slow steaming initiative developed by the container trade. If owners agree to ultra slow steaming the vessel may need modifications and the keeping of extra spares, the costs of which need to be negotiated between owners and charterers. An additional paragraph has been drafted for the use of those owners and charterers who want to engage in ultra slow steaming. This paragraph has to be specifically agreed- if not agreed, the default position is that the charterers are allowed to request slow steaming down to the point where the speed will require the running of the auxiliary blowers. The demand for slow steaming or ultra slow steaming varies between trades and the two-tier approach makes the clause more flexible and allows it to be used both in the tanker and dry bulk as well as the container trade.
The Slow Steaming Clause for Time Charter Parties will be put up for adoption when the Documentary Committee meets next time on 10 November 2011 and following this meeting, the Working Group will focus on developing a draft slow steaming clause for voyage charter parties.
Source: BIMCO