Time Charter Party Review
Our Time Charter Party review combines commercial chartering knowledge, vessel operations, port operations and supercargo experience. We don’t just review contractual wording—we identify operational, legal and financial risks before they become costly disputes, helping Charterers negotiate stronger terms and execute voyages with confidence.
1. Vessel & Owner Due Diligence
We verify the vessel’s ownership, management, classification, insurance, sanctions status, trading history and technical suitability before fixing, ensuring you contract with a reliable and compliant owner.
2. Seaworthiness & Technical Compliance
We review the Owner’s obligation to maintain the vessel in a fully seaworthy condition, with valid statutory certificates, class, P&I cover and operational cargo handling equipment throughout the charter period.
3. Vessel Performance Guarantees
We examine speed and fuel consumption warranties, machinery performance and operational efficiency to protect Charterers from unexpected fuel costs, schedule deviations and performance disputes.
4. Off-Hire & Breakdown Protection
We ensure the charter includes robust off-hire provisions covering machinery failures, crane breakdowns, hatch cover defects, crew deficiencies and vessel detentions, preventing Charterers from paying hire when the vessel cannot perform.
5. Cargo Hold & Cargo Gear Readiness
We verify that cargo holds are clean, dry, odour-free and fit for the intended cargo, and that cranes, hatch covers and cargo handling equipment are fully operational before cargo operations commence.
6. Hire, Bunkers & Cost Allocation
We review hire payment terms, bunker responsibilities, redelivery conditions and the allocation of operational costs to eliminate ambiguity and reduce financial exposure.
7. Trading Limits & Regulatory Compliance
We assess trading limits, sanctions compliance, war-risk areas, environmental regulations and port restrictions to ensure the charter supports your intended trade safely and legally.
8. Cargo Claims & Documentary Protection
We review Bills of Lading, Letters of Indemnity, survey requirements, tally procedures and cargo liability clauses to minimise the risk of cargo disputes and commercial claims.
9. Operational Risk Management
We identify operational risks related to port congestion, berth availability, weather delays, shifting, draft restrictions and local regulations, enabling proactive voyage planning and reducing delays.
10. Commercial & Legal Risk Assessment
Before the fixture is concluded, we identify hidden contractual risks, negotiate charterer-friendly amendments and ensure the agreement provides balanced commercial protection throughout the charter period.
Voyage Charter Party Review
Our Voyage Charter Party review combines commercial chartering knowledge, vessel operations, port operations and supercargo experience. We do not simply read clauses — we identify the operational, financial and legal risks that can lead to demurrage, cargo claims, delays and unexpected costs before the vessel is fixed.
1. Vessel & Owner Verification
We verify the vessel’s ownership, class, age, insurance, trading history and sanctions status before fixing, ensuring you contract with a reliable and compliant owner.
2. Cargo Hold Suitability
We review clauses requiring clean, dry, odour-free and watertight holds, with hold inspection and hose test requirements before loading food-grade cargoes such as rice.
3. Laycan & Cargo Readiness
We ensure the loading window, cargo readiness obligations and cancellation provisions are clearly defined to avoid missed laycan disputes.
4. Freight & Deadfreight Protection
We review freight payment terms, deadfreight exposure, split-discharge freight and freight-earned clauses to protect the Charterer’s commercial position.
5. Laytime & NOR Review
We examine Notice of Readiness validity, laytime commencement, weather interruptions, shifting time and hatch/crane readiness to minimise unnecessary demurrage exposure.
6. Demurrage & Dispatch
We verify demurrage rates, dispatch entitlement, reversible laytime and settlement procedures to avoid costly post-voyage disputes.
7. Cargo Claims & Survey Procedures
We review tally procedures, hold sealing, third-party surveys, shortage liability and wet damage clauses to reduce cargo claim risks at discharge.
8. Bills of Lading & LOI
We check clean Bills of Lading requirements, switch/split B/L rights and LOI wording to support international commodity trade and financing requirements.
9. Port & Operational Risk Assessment
We identify risks related to congestion, berth availability, draft restrictions, weather delays, re-packing operations and local regulations, particularly in West Africa and Madagascar trades.
10. Commercial & Legal Protection
Before the fixture is concluded, we identify hidden contractual risks, negotiate charterer-friendly amendments and ensure the agreement provides balanced protection under the chosen governing law and arbitration clause.