Chapter 6: Ship Leasing Contract (Chương IX BLHH 2015)
1. Overview of Ship Leasing Contracts
Definition: A contract where the shipowner allows the lessee to use the vessel
in exchange for rental payments.
Purpose: Utilized for commercial shipping, cargo transport, offshore
operations, or other maritime activities.
Types: Common forms include time charters, voyage charters, bareboat
charters, and hybrid arrangements.
2. Legal Framework and Key Provisions
Legal Framework
International Conventions:
o United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Carriage
of Goods by Sea (e.g., Hague-Visby Rules, Hamburg Rules, Rotterdam
Rules).
National Laws:
o Maritime codes and commercial laws of the country where the contract
is executed.
Customary Practices (tập quán và thông lệ):
o Established industry practices and terms, such as those from BIMCO
(Baltic and International Maritime Council).
Key Provisions
1. Identification of Parties: Lessor (shipowner) and lessee.
2. Description of the Ship: Specifications, tonnage, and registration.
3. Purpose of Use: Defined scope (e.g., cargo transport, passenger use).
4. Duration: Fixed or renewable leasing period.
5. Payment Terms: Charter hire rate, frequency, and penalties for non-payment.
6. Responsibilities: Allocation of operational, maintenance, and insurance
responsibilities.
7. Liabilities and Indemnities: Risk allocation and liability for damages or
delays.
8. Termination Clauses: Conditions for early termination or breach of contract.
9. Dispute Resolution: Arbitration or court jurisdiction clauses.
3. Time-Based Ship Leasing (Time Charters)
Characteristics
The lessor retains ownership of the vessel but charters it for a specific time.
Lessee controls the commercial operation (routes, cargo), while the lessor
maintains the vessel's crew and management.
Rights and Obligations
Lessor:
Rights: Receive periodic payments; recover damages for breach of contract.
Obligations: Maintain the vessel’s seaworthiness, provide crew, and cover
maintenance.
Lessee:
Rights: Operate the ship for the agreed purpose and duration.
Obligations: Use the vessel responsibly, comply with laws, and pay charter
hire.
4. Ship Leasing Agreements
Definition and Scope
A formal document detailing the terms of ship leasing between the lessor and
lessee.
May cover short-term charters (voyage) or long-term charters (time, bareboat).
Key Considerations in Drafting and Executing Contracts
1. Clear Definition of Rights and Obligations: Specify operational
responsibilities (fuel, crew, maintenance).
2. Seaworthiness: Ensure compliance with international maritime standards.
3. Insurance Coverage: Address risks such as collisions, pollution, and cargo
damage.
4. Payment Terms: Define charter rates, penalties for late payment, and
allowable deductions.
5. Force Majeure Clause: Address unforeseen events like war or natural
disasters.
6. Termination and Breach: Specify conditions for early termination and
penalties for non-compliance.
7. Dispute Resolution: Choose arbitration (e.g., London Maritime Arbitrators
Association) or court jurisdiction.
5. Types of Ship Leasing Contracts
Voyage Charter
Scope: Ship leased for a single voyage.
Key Terms: Freight rates, laytime, and demurrage.
Lessor: Covers operating costs.
Lessee: Pays freight and oversees cargo operations.
Time Charter
Scope: Ship leased for a specified period.
Key Terms: Daily hire rates, off-hire periods, and operational limits.
Lessor: Maintains the ship and crew.
Lessee: Controls commercial use and voyage scheduling.
Bareboat Charter
Scope: Long-term lease where lessee assumes full control, including crew and
maintenance.
Key Terms: Hire rate, return condition, and redelivery provisions.
Lessor: Retains ownership but no operational role.
Lessee: Responsible for all operational aspects.
Hybrid Arrangements
Examples: Contracts combining elements of time and voyage charters.
6. Rights and Obligations in Specific Leasing Scenarios
Trip-Based Carriage Contract
Rights of the Lessor: Ensure payment for services and impose penalties for
delays or non-compliance.
Obligations of the Lessor: Deliver goods safely, maintain the ship, and
ensure compliance with maritime law.
Rights of the Lessee: Demand timely delivery and claim damages for
negligence.
Obligations of the Lessee: Pay freight and adhere to contract terms.
Multimodal Transport Contract
Combines sea transport with other modes (e.g., road, rail).
Key Rights: Seamless delivery across modes under a single contract.
Key Obligations: MTO (Multimodal Transport Operator) ensures end-to-end
delivery.
Điều 215. Hợp đồng thuê tàu
Hợp đồng thuê tàu là hợp đồng được giao kết giữa chủ tàu và người thuê tàu,
theo đó chủ tàu giao quyền sử dụng tàu biển của mình cho người thuê tàu trong
một thời hạn nhất định với mục đích cụ thể được thỏa thuận trong hợp đồng và
nhận tiền thuê tàu do người thuê tàu trả.
Điều 216. Hình thức hợp đồng thuê tàu
1. Hợp đồng thuê tàu được giao kết theo hình thức hợp đồng thuê tàu định hạn
hoặc hợp đồng thuê tàu trần.
2. Hợp đồng thuê tàu phải được giao kết bằng văn bản.
Điều 218. Nguyên tắc áp dụng quy định pháp luật trong hợp đồng thuê tàu
Các quy định liên quan đến quyền và nghĩa vụ của chủ tàu và người thuê tàu
quy định tại Chương này chỉ áp dụng khi chủ tàu và người thuê tàu không có
thỏa thuận khác.
Tìm hiểu thêm về Thuê tàu định hạn và Thuê tàu trần tại BLHH 2015