Privacy Policy

Last updated: 21 March 2026

1. Introduction

Vessel4you ("we," "our," or "us") operates a global maritime marketplace platform connecting vessel owners, hirers, and brokers. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you use our website and services (collectively, the "Platform").

This policy applies to all users worldwide, including those in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom (UK), United States, Asia-Pacific, and all other jurisdictions. We are committed to complying with applicable data protection laws, including but not limited to the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), UK GDPR, California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA/CPRA), Brazil's LGPD, Australia's Privacy Act, and Canada's PIPEDA.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

  • Account Information: Name, email address, password, company name, role (Vessel Owner, Hirer, or Broker), and contact details.
  • Vessel Information: Vessel specifications, photographs, location data, availability status, and availability notes.
  • Load/Cargo Information: Load descriptions, pickup/delivery locations, weight, dimensions, and timing requirements.
  • Bidding Information: Bid amounts, terms, and related negotiation details.
  • Messages: Communications sent through our platform messaging system.
  • Payment Information: Billing details as required for platform services.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

  • Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, search queries, and interaction patterns.
  • Device Information: Browser type, operating system, device identifiers, and screen resolution.
  • Location Data: Approximate location from IP address; precise location only with your explicit consent for map-based features.
  • Cookies & Local Storage: Authentication tokens and preferences stored locally on your device. See our Cookie Policy for details.

3. How We Use Your Information

We process your personal information for the following purposes:

  • Providing and maintaining the Platform, including account management, vessel listings, load postings, and bidding.
  • Facilitating communications between vessel owners, hirers, and brokers.
  • Displaying vessel locations and availability on interactive maps.
  • Processing and managing bids and transactions.
  • Sending service-related notifications (e.g., bid updates, messages, availability changes).
  • Improving the Platform through analytics and user feedback.
  • Ensuring platform security and preventing fraudulent activity.
  • Complying with legal obligations.

4. Legal Basis for Processing (EEA/UK Users)

For users in the EEA and UK, we process personal data based on:

  • Contract Performance: Processing necessary to provide our services (account management, listings, bidding, messaging).
  • Legitimate Interests: Platform improvement, security, and fraud prevention, where these interests do not override your rights.
  • Consent: Where you have given explicit consent, such as for marketing communications or precise location data.
  • Legal Obligation: Where processing is required by applicable law.

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information with:

  • Other Platform Users: Your vessel listings, load postings, bids, and profile information are visible to relevant counterparties as necessary for platform functionality.
  • Service Providers: Third-party providers who assist in hosting, analytics, and platform operations, bound by data processing agreements.
  • Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority.
  • Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, with appropriate notice.

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

6. International Data Transfers

As a global maritime platform, your data may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your jurisdiction. Where required, we implement appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs), adequacy decisions, or other legally approved mechanisms to protect your data during international transfers.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. After account deletion, we may retain certain data for a reasonable period to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, or enforce agreements. Vessel listing data and transaction records may be retained for audit and compliance purposes as required by maritime and commercial law.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights:

  • Access: Request a copy of your personal data.
  • Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
  • Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data ("right to be forgotten").
  • Restriction: Request limited processing of your data.
  • Portability: Receive your data in a portable, machine-readable format.
  • Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing.
  • Withdraw Consent: Where processing is based on consent, withdraw at any time.
  • Non-Discrimination: Exercise your rights without discriminatory treatment (CCPA/CPRA).
  • Opt-out of Sale/Sharing: We do not sell personal information, but you may exercise this right under applicable law.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at the details provided below.

9. Data Security

We implement industry-standard technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information, including encryption in transit, secure authentication, access controls, and regular security assessments. However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. Children's Privacy

The Platform is not intended for use by individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected data from a child, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy on the Platform with a revised "Last updated" date. Your continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your data rights, please contact us:

  • Email: info@vessel4you.com
  • For EEA/UK residents: You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.