10/10/2025
⏳ Understanding Laytime in Dry Bulk vs Liquid Bulk Shipping
In the world of shipping, every hour counts.
Knowing how laytime is calculated can make the difference between earning despatch or paying demurrage — and the rules vary depending on the type of cargo operation.
Let’s break it down 👇
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⚓ What is Laytime?
Laytime is the agreed time allowed to charterers for loading or discharging cargo.
If operations take longer, the charterer pays demurrage.
If they finish sooner, they may earn despatch.
But — the way we calculate laytime in dry bulk vs liquid bulk shipping is very different.
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🔹 Dry Bulk Example (Coal Shipment)
A vessel loads 50,000 MT of coal.
The C/P states a loading rate of 10,000 MT per weather working day (24 hours).
📏 Allowed laytime:
50,000 ÷ 10,000 = 5 days
• ⏱ Completed in 4.5 days → 0.5 days saved = Despatch
• ⏱ Took 6 days → 1 day exceeded = Demurrage
🧭 When does it start?
After the Notice of Readiness (NOR) is validly tendered and accepted, depending on Charter Party terms.
If clauses like WIBON / WIPON / WICCON are included, laytime may start even while waiting for berth, tide, or customs clearance.
And if it’s a Weather Working Day, bad weather = clock stops.
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🔹 Liquid Bulk Example (Oil / Chemical Shipment)
The C/P allows 150/150 MTPH SHINC reversible for a cargo of 8,000 MT.
• ⚙️ Loading rate: 150 MT/hour → 8,000 ÷ 150 ≈ 53 hours
• ⚙️ Discharging rate: 150 MT/hour → 8,000 ÷ 150 ≈ 53 hours
➡️ Total laytime = 106 hours (reversible)
🧮 Scenario:
• Loading: 50 hours → 3 hours saved
• Discharging: 52 hours → 1 hour saved
✅ Total used = 102 hours → 4 hours saved = Despatch
If total time = 110 hours → 4 hours exceeded = Demurrage
Laytime begins only after NOR acceptance, vessel readiness, inspections completed, and hoses connected.
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💡 Key Insights
• Dry bulk: Measured in tons per day (slower solid cargo ops).
• Liquid bulk: Measured in tons per hour (faster liquid transfer).
• 150/150 MTPH refers to rate, not actual time allowed.
• Always match the Statement of Facts (SOF) with Charter Party (C/P) terms to ensure accuracy and prevent disputes.
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🔹 In simple terms:
“Dry bulk counts days — liquid bulk counts hours.”
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📍 Shared by Elsharkawy Maritime & Logistics Co.
Your trusted partner for professional agency, shipping, and logistics services across all Egyptian ports and the Suez Canal.
🌐 www.elsharkawymaritime.com
📩 [email protected]
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