INTERTANKO, the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners, and Veson Nautical have launched Version 6 of the Q88 Questionnaire for tankers, making improvements to the data submission process and questionnaire layout, while also expanding its criteria to cover frequently requested safety and sustainability information.
The partners hope that, by improving the questionnaire format and standardising data entry processes, charter parties can share common data requirements through one form to facilitate faster trades, lessen repetitive tasks when a vessel is put up for hire, and support moves to reduce carbon emissions and increase operational safety standards.
Vessel owners and operators are frequently asked to supply additional data to charterers as part of their commercial and vetting criteria in line with IMO, national and regional regulations. This data was not included in Version 5 of the Q88, meaning many charterers would have to make additional requests for information (RFIs) to owners and managers.
Users of the Questionnaire 88 will now be asked to provide input on their vessel’s GHG performance data, scrubbers, ballast water treatment systems, energy and consumption ratings, and NoX emissions compliance.
This revision is the result of a collaborative effort between the Q88 group at Veson Nautical and the INTERTANKO Vetting Committee Q88 Working Group chaired by Captain Ashley Cooper, Group Marine Director, Scorpio Ship Management.
“Q88 remains the industry leading questionnaire for commercial fixtures,” said Capt Ashley Cooper.
“With the transition to SIRE 2.0, and the adoption of new technology, the need was felt to modernise the questionnaire. The latest revision includes information based on current developments in shipping that will assist in expediting the vessel acceptance process.”
