SUPERMAN provides a clear and balanced framework for agreements between shipowners and supervision service providers for vessel construction.
It ensures that responsibilities, authority, and obligations are well-defined, giving clarity and certainty and reducing risk through the build process.
– Why does the industry need a contract such as SUPERMAN 2025?
According to data from Clarksons Research Shipping Intelligence Network, the current orderbook stands at 6,368 ships, totalling 420 million DWT – equivalent to 16.7% of the global fleet in DWT, the highest ratio since February 2016.
Since the start of the decade, the number of ships on order has surged by 69%, driven primarily by strong contracting in the container, tanker, LPG, and LNG sectors. (source: Clarkson Shipping Intelligence Network)
Similarly, S&P Global reports that as of November 2025, there were 3,551 ships under construction, an 18% increase since the start of the decade.
Growth has been particularly strong in LNG, LPG, chemical tankers, container ships, general cargo vessels, and tugs. (source: S&P Global’s Sea-web database)
This unprecedented level of activity underscores the importance of robust contractual frameworks like SUPERMAN to manage complex supervision requirements across multiple shipyards and vessel types.
– What are the benefits for the industry?
The adoption of SUPERMAN 2025 provides shipowners, managers, and supervisors with a modern, comprehensive, and globally recognized framework for managing vessel construction projects. By harmonising with other BIMCO contracts, it simplifies negotiations and strengthens legal certainty.
“This new edition of SUPERMAN enhances certainty for owners and supervisors through clearer obligations, strengthened definitions, and a framework designed for modern operational realities. It’s arrival, coinciding with a period of exceptional shipbuilding activity, is very timely.” says Capt. Ajay Hazari, Chairperson of the Subcommittee tasked with the revision of SUPERMAN.
Find out more about SUPERMAN 2025 and review the contract https://lnkd.in/ecV9Y54W
Source: Bimco