BIMCO has published updated war risks clauses for both Time and Voyage Charters. An overview of the main changes compared with the 2013 clauses is provided below.

The BIMCO War Risks Clause for Time Chartering 2025 (CONWARTIME 2025) and the BIMCO War Risks Clause for Voyage Charter Parties 2025 (VOYWAR 2025) are updated standard clauses designed to address the legal issues arising when a vessel is ordered to proceed through areas exposed to War risks.

CONWARTIME 2025, revised from its 2013 version, applies to time charter parties, while VOYWAR 2025 updates the 2013 voyage charter clause. Both provide clearer definitions for terms like “Area” and “Insurance Costs,” and provide further clarity in relation to additional premiums. The clauses balance the allocation of risks and responsibilities between Owners and Charterers and permit Owners to refuse orders to proceed to dangerous areas based on the reasonable judgment of the master. Both Clauses may be used in new and revised charter parties to replace earlier versions.

Full copies of both the new clauses along with explanatory notes are available at the links below.

War Risks Clause for Time Chartering 2025 (CONWARTIME 2025)

https://www.bimco.org/contractual-affairs/bimco-clauses/current-clauses/war_risks_clause_for_time_charters_2025

War Risks Clause for Voyage Charter Parties 2025 (VOYWAR 2025)

https://www.bimco.org/contractual-affairs/bimco-clauses/current-clauses/war_risks_clause_for_voyage_charter_parties_2025/