BIMCO reports that it has updated its contract editing tool, SmartCon, adding a new feature that enables users to add electronic signatures to their finalised contracts to replace the need for physical pen and ink on paper copies.
SmartCon will now use technology from DocuSign to manage electronic signatures on its contracts, a system already recognised in more than 180 countries as a legally binding method of signing contracts.
BIMCO notes that there will be no additional costs involved from its side in using DocuSign with the SmartCon service, though each company is responsible for activating and maintaining its own DocuSign account.
If a company does not already subscribe to DocuSign a new account must be created, after which time BIMCO will link the DocuSign account with SmartCon and approve electronic signatures for charter parties and other agreements.
