BIMCO has launched a pilot to convert standard maritime contracts into self-performing, agentic agreements that automate checks, approvals and operational tasks to reduce manual workloads and operational risk.
The project will integrate agentic contract technology from Hunit with BIMCO’s SmartCon contract lifecycle platform.
Once a contract is negotiated and finalised, Hunit’s system will enable it to record passage plans, obtain approvals from the correct parties, run background sanctions and insurance checks, and verify payments to agents — logging each step as it is completed so all stakeholders share a single, auditable real-time record.
“With Hunit’s technology, we are exploring how contracts can become fully operational systems, not just passive documents,” said Grant Hunter, Chief Digital Officer at BIMCO.
“This pilot project supports the development of a resilient, digitally enabled maritime industry and responds to the changing demands of today’s business environment.”
The partners view the pilot as a potential response to rising operational complexity driven by sanctions, inspections and emissions rules, and say successful trials could lead to broader adoption across the organisation’s catalogue of standard agreements.
