The international shipping association BIMCO, chaired by Paul Pathy, has issued a warning to shipping companies regarding the risks of over-reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) when drafting contractual clauses. Despite the persuasive appearance of AI-generated phrasing, the organization notes that there are significant threats to the commercial and legal validity of agreements.
Risks of Automated Drafting
According to BIMCO, clauses generated by AI systems may unintentionally shift risk between parties or omit critical operational criteria. There is also a concern that these tools might fail to accurately capture the true commercial agreement, leading to potential future disputes.
Adoption Trends and Concerns
A survey conducted among members of BIMCO’s Documentation Committee reveals the rapid penetration of this technology into the industry:
- 20% of members are already using AI tools for contractual work.
- 70% expect to adopt them within the next three to five years.
While speed and efficiency are recognized as major benefits, survey participants expressed strong concerns regarding inaccuracies, the loss of legal nuance, and the possibility of accepting clauses without a full understanding of their consequences. BIMCO emphasizes that human judgment remains indispensable for the safe and correct preparation of maritime contracts.
