These terms and conditions apply to all dealings between You and the Broker and will be effective whenever you request the Broker to provide Services or You respond to the Broker in relation to the provision of Services. These terms and conditions create a legally binding agreement between You and the Broker (You, Broker and Services are defined below).

In these terms and conditions the following definitions apply

“Broker” COMPACT BV, Kampdreef 34, 2970 Schilde, BELGIUM, BE0441.211.527

“Fixture” A contract or contracts including but not limited to for the sale, purchase, construction, towage or charter of a Ship together with negotiations to enter such contracts.

“Negotiations” Exchanges, whether verbal or in writing, in relation to concluding a Fixture.

“Post Fixture Services” Assistance with communications, operational matters and claims arising from the performance of a Fixture.

“Principal” A party to a Fixture including the owner, seller, buyer, builder or charterer of a ship and any party guaranteeing the obligations of such a party. Principal may include You.

“Representative” A person or company, including but not limited to a ship manager, chartering department, shipbroker or other agent, who is not a Principal but is involved in negotiations on behalf of a Principal.

“Services” The Services referred to in clause 2 of these terms and conditions.

“Ship” Any type of ship, other vessel and/or equipment used or intended to be used for any purpose on, in or over water including but not limited to rigs, jack ups, submersibles, and barges.

“You” The party requesting the Broker’s services or responding to the Broker in relation to the provision of the Services. Where such party is acting as a Representative, references to You will additionally include the Principal.

The above definitions apply whether the defined words appear in the singular or plural form.

2. Services covered by these terms.

2.1 The Broker will act as a shipbroker in relation to Fixtures. The role of the Broker is to introduce Principals. Thereafter the broker will assist the Principals and/or their Representatives as a channel for Negotiations as well as providing such Post Fixture Services as may be agreed or provided by the Broker. Where Broking Services are provided, the Client is deemed to have engaged the Broker in relation to any Fixture that arises in connection with those Broking Services whether or not it is concluded via the Broker.

2.2 Unless specifically agreed in writing the Broker will act solely as an intermediary in relation to Fixtures and will not enter any Fixtures arising from the Services as a Principal. The Broker is not responsible for the performance or non-performance of Fixtures or Principals.

2.3 Unless otherwise agreed the Services are provided on a Fixture by Fixture basis.

2.4 The Broker may also agree to perform other tasks such as providing ship valuations and/or specific market research. Such tasks may be subject to specific provisions (such as the wording of a valuation certificate) in addition to these terms and conditions. In the event of, and only to the extent of, a conflict between these terms and conditions and the specific provisions the latter will prevail. Otherwise these terms and conditions, including those as to limitation of liability, will apply.

2.5 The broker’s terms and conditions set out in this document take precedence over any terms & conditions set out by You and/or 3d parties.

3. Obligations of the Broker.

3.1 The Broker will perform the Services with the reasonable skill and care expected of a professional shipbroker.

3.2 In dealing with others the Broker will take care to stay within the authority given by You and to avoid misrepresentation.

3.3 During negotiations the Broker undertakes to pass on offers, counteroffers and other such communications accurately and in a timely manner. This obligation applies both to passing communications to and from You.

3.4 It is understood that the Broker may be dealing with Representatives or other intermediaries rather than directly with a Principal. In such cases the Broker is dealing with such Representatives or other intermediaries in good faith as to the authority they possess but the Broker does not give a warranty as to that authority.

3.5 If the Broker is acting directly for a Principal then the Broker warrants that the Broker has the authority of that Principal.

3.6 If at any time the Broker provides information in respect of a Principal, including but not limited to information regarding corporate structures or financial standing, it is understood and agreed that in relation to the Broker such information is provided in good faith but without guarantee. It is the sole obligation of the Principal to satisfy themselves of any counterparty risk and decide whether to enter a Fixture with the proposed counterparty and on what terms.

3.7 Unless otherwise agreed in writing the Services are not provided on an exclusive basis and it is understood that the Broker may act as a shipbroker for other parties in relation to the same or other Fixtures. In the event the Broker is dealing directly with two Principals in relation to the same Fixture the Broker’s duties will be to pass on offers, counteroffers and other such communications accurately and in a timely manner as authorised by each Principal in turn.

4. Confidentiality.

4.1 Where the Broker is given information stated by You to be on a confidential basis or it is expressly agreed that a Fixture is confidential (in either case “Confidential Information”) the broker will hold that Confidential Information in confidence and will not disclose it to any other party without prior permission from You. This obligation will not however extend to information which (i) was already or becomes known to the Broker through other sources not subject to such an obligation of confidentiality (ii) is or becomes known to the market generally other than as a result of a breach of this obligation or (iii) which the Broker is obliged to disclose pursuant to an order of a court or other such authority. In all cases such obligation of confidentiality shall be deemed to end 1 years after the end of performance of the Fixture in question or in the absence of a concluded Fixture 1 years from the end of the Negotiations.

5. Obligations to the Broker.

5.1 If You are a Principal you warrant that you have full legal power to enter into the Fixture brought about by the Services. If You are acting as a Representative You warrant that you have the Principal’s authority (i) to accept these terms and conditions on their behalf and (ii) to make all offers, counteroffers and representations made during negotiations and (iii) to agree a Fixture on their behalf.

5.2 Where Services are provided You are deemed to have engaged the Broker in relation to any Fixture that arises in connection with those Services whether or not it is concluded via the Broker.

5.3 You will provide the Broker with all information and instructions necessary for the performance of the Services. Where actions need to be taken by a certain time (such as reply times during negotiations) you will ensure the Broker has sufficient time to forward such messages prior to the relevant time limit.

5.4 Where actions need to be taken by a certain time (such as reply times during Negotiations) the Client will ensure that all necessary responses, information and instructions are provided by it to the Broker, within working hours in the location in which the Broker is located, in good and sufficient time to permit the Broker to forward such responses, information and instructions, and/or to take such action as may be required, prior to the relevant time limit in the time zone in which the response, information, instruction or action (as relevant) is required to be received or undertaken.

5.5 In relation to Post Fixture Services if the Broker has asked you to use specific e-mail addresses for operational messages or claims then You will use those e-mail addresses. In the event that you do not receive a prompt acknowledgement of receipt of time sensitive messages or claims documentation from the Broker you undertake to contact the Broker to confirm receipt. The Broker will have no responsibility for a failure to action a message or claims documentation unless it is sent timely to the correct address and acknowledged by the Broker.

5.6 You will take care to avoid misrepresentations occurring in Negotiations. You will carefully review all messages sent or copied to You and promptly advise the Broker of any errors or misrepresentations. The Broker is not responsible for the consequences of a failure by You to review messages.

5.7 You warrant that You do not know of any reason why the Fixture could be unlawful or which could render the provision of the Services by the Broker in breach of any relevant law, including but not limited to (i) sanctions imposed by the United Nations, European Union, The United States of America or any national government having authority over You, the Broker, a Representative or a Principal (ii) laws relating to money laundering, bribery and corruption. You will promptly and fully inform the Broker of any such reason that comes to your attention. In the event that the Broker in their absolute discretion believes that the Fixture or the provision of the Services may infringe such laws they may by written notice terminate the Services immediately. In the event of such termination the broker will have no liability arising from such termination howsoever arising.

6. Market Reports.

6.1 If the broker publishes market reports or commentary these are provided for general information only and not for use in relation to specific Fixtures. Such market reports do not constitute advice and nothing contained in such documents amounts to a recommendation to enter or not to enter a Fixture and the Broker has no liability for the consequences of any person, including You, purporting to rely on such market reports.

7. The Broker’s remuneration.

7.1 On Fixtures the Broker’s remuneration will (unless otherwise agreed) be in the form of a commission on the freight, hire or purchase price as the case may be. The level of commission payable and the party responsible for payment will be set out in the Negotiations.

7.2 If the commission payable to the Broker is recorded in a commission clause or in a specific commission agreement then commission will be payable in accordance with that clause or agreement. The Broker will be deemed to have acted in reliance on the insertion of that clause and assented to the terms of the commission clause governing their right to commission.

7.3 If You are the party agreed to be responsible for paying the commission you undertake to make the payment or payments promptly. If You are not the party responsible for making the commission payment You expressly agree to the making of provision for such commission in the Fixture. You expressly agrees to procure the payment of such fee by any relevant Principal and further to provide all necessary assistance and co-operation to the Broker in respect of its attempts to obtain the payment of such fee by the relevant Principal.

7.4 Nothing in these terms will prevent the Broker from enforcing a commission clause or other clause conferring a benefit on them as a third party in accordance with the terms of the Fixture.

7.5 In the absence of any specific provisions in the commission clause on voyage charters commission is payable on deadfreight and demurrage as well as on freight. Freight shall include all items that comprise the freight rate. On time charters commission will be payable on the hire paid under the charter and any continuation or extension of the charter. On sale agreements commission is payable on delivery of the vessel and payment of the purchase price. On new building contracts commission is payable as and when each stage payment is made. Commission is payable on sums received by You as and when received and You will not withhold payment pending resolution of unconnected matters.

7.6 Commission are exclusive of all taxes and duties, which will, where required, be payable in addition.

7.7 The tasks in clause 2.4 above will be subject to the agreement of a specific fee between You and the Broker. The Broker will invoice You at the completion of the Services or at such other times and in such stages as may have been agreed. You will pay that fee upon reception of the invoice.

7.8 If the amount of commission or fee and/or the manner of its payment is not specifically agreed a reasonable commission or fee will be payable in accordance with market practice.

7.9 Where payment of the Broker’s remuneration is not made on the due date, the Broker, at its sole discretion & without any notice of default, reserves the right to charge interest on the overdue amount at the annual rate of twelve per cent (12%) accruing on a daily basis due date until the date of actual payment of the overdue amount, compounding quarterly and a lump sum retribution of 15 % of the amount due with a minimum of USD 500,00.

8. Limitation of Liability.

8.1 The Broker will, subject to the provisions of this clause 8, be liable to You for damage directly caused by the failure to perform the Services with the reasonable skill and care expected of a professional shipbroker provided always the Broker will not be liable for: (not limitative)

(i) Loss of profits, business interruption, loss of reputation, indirect or consequential losses.

(ii) Damage caused by any event or cause that the Broker was unable to avoid and/or the consequences of which could not have been prevented by the exercise of reasonable diligence.

(iii) Damage which was not solely caused by the act or omission of the Broker or which would have occurred in any event.

8.2 The Brokers total liability arising from or in connection with the Services is limited to a maximum amount equal to the remuneration that the ‘Broker’ would be entitled to in the event he had properly executed the instructions in question and shall in no circumstances exceed the sum of USD 250.000,00.

8.3 The exclusions and/or limitations set out in this clause shall apply whether the claim against the Broker is brought in contract, tort (including for negligence) breach of statutory duty or for any other cause whatsoever.

8.4 Any claim against the Broker must be made in writing and notified to the Broker within 14 days of the date and acknowledged by the Broker on which You became aware or ought to have become aware of the circumstances giving rise to the claim and any claim not so notified shall be deemed waived and time barred. The Broker shall in any event be discharged of all liability arising out of the Services unless suit is brought and written notice of it given to the Broker within one year of the end of performance of the Fixture or in the absence of a concluded Fixture 1 year from the end of the Negotiations.

9. Termination

9.1  The Broker shall be entitled to terminate the Contract with immediate effect and without liability by giving written notice to the Client if:

the Client commits any material breach of any term of the Contract (or, if such breach is capable of remedy, if the Client fails to remedy such breach within fourteen (14) days of receipt of a written request from the Broker) and/or neglects to fullfill his obligations as a principal as laid out in these terms and conditions.;

9.2  the Client has a change of control, ownership, has filed for chapter 11 or has a provisional liquidator or administrator appointed by any court or a notice of intention to appoint the same.

9.2  Immediately upon termination, for any cause whatsoever, the Client shall pay the Broker all fees and recoverable costs incurred in respect of the Services performed up to the date of the termination of the Services, together with such reasonable costs and/or expenses incurred by the Broker as a result of the termination of the Services. The Client will thereafter remain liable to pay to the Broker any fees which become due and payable after the date of termination of the Services in respect of any Fixtures which were concluded on or before the date of termination and/or which arise after the date of termination of the Services following performance of the Services prior to the date of termination of the Services.

10. Force Majeure

10.1 No party shall be liable to another party under this Contract for any failure to perform or delay in performance of its obligations if and in so far as and for so long as such performance is delayed or hindered by the other’s acts or omissions or for an event reasonably beyond the control of that party including wars whether or not declared, threat or preparation for war, armed conflict, imposition of sanctions, embargo, terrorist attacks, civil war, civil disturbances, riots, public disorder, acts of God including fire, flood, earthquake, windstorm or other natural disaster, epidemic or pandemic, any labour dispute including strike, lockout or industrial action (whether relating to its own employees or others), abnormally adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, destruction of machines, equipment or factories (“Force Majeure”).

10.2 Notwithstanding clause 10.1, an event of Force Majeure shall not, under any circumstances, excuse a payment obligation.

10.3 In the event that the circumstances constituting Force Majeure continue for an uninterrupted period of ninety (90) days, either party may terminate the Contract immediately by giving written notice to the other party.

11. Communication

11.1 Any notice or other communication given to a party under or in connection with this Contract shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if sent or delivered to the party concerned at such address as the party may from time to time notify in writing or to the correct facsimile number or electronic mail address (as notified by the parties) and shall be deemed to have been served:

–  if sent by courier or by recorded delivery letter, upon the date of presentation of the notice at the recipient’s address

–  if sent by ordinary post, 48 hours after posting, and in the case of a facsimile or electronic transmission, on the following day or in the case of electronic mail on the same day, if receipt is acknowledged.

12. Various

12.1  All intellectual property rights linked to or arising out of the Services are the property of the Broker.

12.2  The Broker has a general lien on all documents in his possession or control for all sums due/outstanding from You to the Broker whether arising out of the Fixture or otherwise.

12.3 If a court finds that any provision of these terms and conditions to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that provision shall, to the minimum extent necessary, be deemed removed and the validity, legality and enforceability of the remainder of that and all other provisions of these terms and conditions shall not be affected.

13. Jurisdiction and Law

These terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Belgian Civil Code and any dispute shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the relevant Antwerp Courts.