Voyage charter

This chapter examines in detail typical clauses found and critical matters accruing from a voyage charter. Initially, the importance of an accurate vessel’s description, the nomination of safe ports and berths, the execution of the voyage with utmost despatch and with no deviation, as well as problems related to the quantity or the quality of the cargo, are highlighted. Then, various freight matters arecommented, comprising the fixing, the risk, the payment and the security of freight, the deadfreight and the brokerage commission. In addition, the crucial allocation of costs is discussed concerning loading/discharging and other cargo-handling costs, harbour costs, freight taxes, delays from strikes and agency expenses. Analysis goes further to deal with other specialised voyage charter subjects, as the lien, the cargo liability and the damage to the vessel. The content of the chapter is enriched with examples from real clauses sourced from standard forms of voyage charterparties; both dry and tanker. Finally, due to the extent of analysis and the weight of importance, the key voyage charter issue of laytime and demurrage is referred to chapter 15. Thus, it is recommended that the reader should study this chapter together with chapter 15, consulting also the glossary and appendix at the end of the book, where necessary.