Platform Governance Principles

Operational principles guiding how MBN is structured to support transparency, authority discipline, procurement accountability, and record preservation across maritime contracting workflows.

Effective Date
March 06, 2026
Last Updated
March 09, 2026

1. Purpose of Platform Governance

The maritime industry often relies on complex relationships between vessel owners, management companies, contractors, and service providers.

MBN is designed to support these relationships by providing structured digital infrastructure that facilitates procurement and contract coordination.

The governance principles described in this document aim to:

  • promote transparent procurement processes
  • maintain clear authority structures
  • preserve accurate operational records
  • support dispute documentation and reconstruction
  • encourage responsible conduct among users

These principles guide how the Platform functions and how operational records are maintained.

2. Platform Neutrality

MBN operates as a neutral infrastructure platform.

The Platform provides tools that allow contracting parties to:

  • publish tenders
  • submit bids
  • exchange documentation
  • coordinate project execution
  • document procurement activity

MBN does not act as a contracting party and does not influence procurement decisions.

Contract awards, pricing decisions, and commercial negotiations remain the responsibility of the contracting parties.

3. Authority Discipline

The Platform may implement structured authority models within organizational accounts.

Users may be assigned roles that define the actions they are permitted to perform.

These roles may reflect organizational responsibilities such as:

  • vessel ownership or representation
  • management company oversight
  • contractor participation
  • project coordination roles

Authority structures are designed to help ensure that procurement actions are conducted by appropriately authorized individuals.

4. Delegated Responsibilities

Organizations using the Platform may delegate operational responsibilities to authorized users.

Delegation may allow individuals to perform actions such as:

  • publishing tenders
  • submitting bids
  • uploading documentation
  • confirming milestones
  • coordinating project workflows

Delegation structures are determined by the organizations using the Platform.

MBN does not independently assign authority within user organizations.

5. Workflow Transparency

The Platform is designed to maintain transparent records of procurement activity conducted through the system.

Operational workflows may include records such as:

  • tender publication events
  • bid submissions
  • contract documentation uploads
  • milestone confirmations
  • communications between contracting parties
  • dispute documentation entries

These records help create an auditable operational history of procurement activity conducted through the Platform.

6. Auditable Platform Records

To support transparency and operational accountability, the Platform records certain system events and workflow actions.

Audit records may include:

  • account activity
  • document uploads
  • workflow approvals
  • milestone confirmations
  • dispute documentation entries

These records help maintain system integrity and may assist users in reconstructing procurement activity when needed.

7. Dispute Documentation Support

The Platform may provide tools that assist users in documenting disputes arising from procurement or contract execution.

These tools may allow users to organize:

  • communications between contracting parties
  • supporting documentation
  • workflow activity records
  • relevant audit logs

MBN does not act as an arbitrator, mediator, or adjudicating authority.

The Platform's role is limited to preserving and organizing records associated with procurement workflows.

Users remain responsible for resolving disputes through appropriate legal or contractual mechanisms.

8. Local Dispute Resolution

MBN encourages contracting parties to resolve disputes directly and locally whenever possible.

Local resolution mechanisms may include:

  • direct negotiation between parties
  • mediation
  • arbitration
  • applicable legal proceedings

Platform records may assist contracting parties in reconstructing events associated with procurement workflows.

9. Data Integrity and Record Preservation

The Platform may preserve operational records associated with procurement workflows.

These records may include tender documentation, bids, communications, and other materials submitted by users.

Preserving these records supports transparency and helps maintain the integrity of platform activity.

10. Responsible Platform Use

Users are expected to use the Platform in good faith and for legitimate professional purposes.

Users should ensure that information submitted through the Platform is accurate and submitted with appropriate authority.

Activities such as fraudulent tenders, deceptive bids, or falsified documentation undermine procurement integrity and may violate the Platform’s Acceptable Use Policy.

11. Governance Evolution

The Maritime Bidding Network platform may evolve over time as operational practices, technology capabilities, and regulatory environments change.

MBN may update governance practices or platform functionality where necessary to improve transparency, reliability, and operational efficiency.

Updated governance principles will be published as appropriate.

12. Governance Contact

Questions regarding the governance principles described in this document may be directed to:

Maritime Bidding Network LLC

222 Salamanca Ave

Coral Gables, Florida 33134

United States

Email: management@maritimebids.com

LINGUISTIC INTERPRETATION CLAUSE

This Platform Governance Policy may be made available in multiple languages for the convenience of international users of the Platform.

In the event of any discrepancy, conflict, or difference in interpretation between translated versions of this Platform Governance Policy, the English version shall prevail and be legally binding.

Translated versions are provided for informational and convenience purposes only.