Reference

Maritime procurement glossary

Plain-language definitions of the ship supply and maritime procurement terms that come up in every RFQ.

IMPA codeA six-digit code from the IMPA Marine Stores Guide that uniquely identifies a marine store item. ISSA codeA catalogue code from the ISSA Ship Stores Catalogue used to identify ship supply items. Marine Stores GuideThe standard illustrated catalogue of marine store items and their IMPA codes. Port callA vessel's scheduled visit to a port to work cargo and take on supplies and services. Bonded storesDuty-free goods held aboard ship under customs bond for use outside territorial waters. Slop chestThe ship's onboard store of clothing, tobacco and small goods sold to crew during a voyage. Provisions vs stores vs sparesThe three main categories of what a ship buys: food, operational consumables, and machinery parts. RFQ (request for quotation)A buyer's request to suppliers for prices and availability on a specified list of items. Ship chandlerA supplier that provides provisions, stores, spares and equipment to vessels in port. Agency feeThe charge a ship or port agent makes for handling a vessel's port call on the owner's behalf. Delivery noteThe document accompanying goods delivered to a vessel, confirming what was received. ETA windowThe estimated range of time within which a vessel is expected to arrive at a port.

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