ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on general questions, concepts and clauses commonly applying to all different charter types and shipping contracts. Written contracts often start with a preamble, in which the parties and the main contents of the agreement are presented. In the Gencon form and in many other modern charterparty forms often issued by BIMCO, the box layout system is used, which means that the written agreement is divided into two main parts with cross-references between them. The first is the box part with all specifications for the relevant vessel and voyage, while the second one is the text part with all the printed clauses. Both the shipowner and the charterer should be able to form an opinion about the other party before they are bound to the agreement. Depending on the type of charter contract, the ship may have a more or less central position in the charter agreement.
