Chartering information

A basic element of shipbroking and chartering practice is the exchange of information. In respect of that, accuracy, reliability, speed, timing and other qualitative aspects are of utmost importance. This chapter presents the major sources of chartering information, the most important information centres in the world, how this information is transmitted within the chartering network, what the means of communication are and how significant the time factor is. Great emphasis is given on the description of the role of the shipbrokers and agents in handling this business data. It is underlined that chartering negotiations through orders, position lists, indications, offers, counter-offers etc. form information channels of paramount importance, thus this chapter is closely related with chapter 8, where chartering negotiations are analysed.