Operation & Maintenance Agreements

Efficient vessel operations require specialized expertise in technical management, crewing, maintenance, regulatory compliance, budgeting, and commercial administration. To optimize performance and reduce operational risks, shipowners frequently engage professional ship management companies under Operation&Maintenance (O&M) Agreements or Ship Management Agreements, often based on internationally recognized standards such as BIMCO SHIPMAN. These agreements define the responsibilities and obligations of shipowners and managers, covering technical management, crew recruitment and administration, vessel maintenance, dry-docking schedules, safety compliance, budget control, insurance coordination, and commercial operations. A well-drafted management agreement is critical for preventing disputes, ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining vessel performance, and clearly allocating liabilities between parties. Our maritime law team advises shipowners, operators, ship managers, investors, offshore companies, and maritime service providers on drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and enforcing ship management and O&M agreements. We structure commercially practical arrangements that protect assets, improve operational efficiency, and minimize legal exposure.