How to Charter a Vessel
Whether you need a tanker or a dry cargo vessel, the first step is a clear description of the shipment. You do not need to know every shipping term to start. Tell us what you know, and identify anything still being negotiated.
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01 / 07
Send your initial enquiry
Email your company details and cargo brief, use our enquiry form or request a consultation. Include cargo type, quantity, loading and discharge locations and preferred dates. Attach your chartering LOI if available.
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02 / 07
Define the service
We clarify whether you need advice, vessel sourcing or both. We agree the engagement scope, commercial basis and who is authorised to give instructions.
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03 / 07
Review cargo readiness and authority
Tell us whether the cargo is confirmed, under negotiation or at a planning stage. We clarify your role and may request proportionate documents supporting the cargo arrangement, readiness and authority to negotiate. Unconfirmed information remains clearly identified.
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04 / 07
Prepare a suitable vessel requirement
We review the cargo and ports to establish the vessel category, capacity, handling needs and proposed charter basis. Missing terminal, cargo or timing details are clarified before a firm approach.
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05 / 07
Source and compare options
We seek relevant vessel proposals and explain the material differences, assumptions and outstanding conditions. Indicative rates are separated from firm offers, each with its applicable validity.
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06 / 07
Negotiate and record the terms
With your authority, we assist offers, counteroffers and the written summary of agreed terms, known as the recap. Required approvals and outstanding conditions are tracked explicitly.
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07 / 07
Confirm the fixture and coordinate follow up
The parties complete the required agreement and approvals, and the agreed terms are documented in the charterparty. Where appointed, we assist commercial coordination through the shipment.
What to send with a charter enquiry
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Company and contact
Provide the legal company name, country, business email, contact person and your role: cargo owner, trader, appointed representative or other intermediary. Identify the intended charterer and the person authorised to approve terms.
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Cargo and quantity
Describe the cargo and grade, quantity with its unit and any tolerance. State whether it is a single shipment or a recurring programme. For dry cargo, include volume or stowage information where available; for project cargo, include piece dimensions, weights and lifting requirements.
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Route and timing
State the loading and discharge ports or areas, preferred loading date range and expected readiness. Share known berth, draft, handling or terminal restrictions. For a time charter, include duration, delivery and redelivery requirements and intended trading area.
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Cargo specific details
For tankers, share the available cargo specification and loading or receiving terminal requirements. For chemicals and gas, include relevant composition, safety and handling data. For dry cargo, attach a packing list or cargo description and clarify whether shore cranes or vessel gear are needed.
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Cargo status and supporting documents
Clearly label the cargo as confirmed, conditional or preliminary. Depending on the stage and transaction, we may request relevant extracts of a cargo agreement, shipper confirmation, loading readiness information or a representative mandate. Confidential material can be shared through an agreed secure channel.
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LOI means a chartering request at this stage
A chartering Letter of Intent summarises the company, cargo, route, dates, intended charter basis and authorised contact. It helps us organise an enquiry; it is not by itself proof that cargo is available or a vessel has been secured. An initial consultation can begin by email without a formal LOI.
Questions
Can I contact you before my cargo is confirmed
Yes. We can discuss a preliminary requirement or a defined advisory assignment. Tell us what is still conditional so early guidance is not mistaken for a confirmed shipment.
Do I need to choose the vessel type myself
No. Share the cargo, quantity, route and dates. We can help identify suitable categories and the technical questions that need to be resolved.
Is a quote the same as a confirmed booking
No. A quote or a vessel listing may be indicative or subject to conditions. We explain its status and seek your instructions before proceeding.
What are laycan and demurrage
Laycan is the agreed loading arrival window for the vessel, subject to the charter terms. Demurrage is an agreed payment for delay beyond the allowed loading or discharge time under the applicable terms. We help you identify these provisions before agreement.