Reference

Maritime procurement glossary

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

Nautical chart and instruments
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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. DemurrageA charge the charterer pays the owner when a vessel is held in port beyond the agreed laytime. AIS gapA period when a ship stops broadcasting its AIS position, a common sanctions red flag. Dark fleetShips operated to evade sanctions or avoid safety, insurance and inspection rules. Ship to ship transferMoving cargo directly between two vessels at anchor or underway. LaytimeThe free time in a charter party to load or discharge cargo before demurrage applies. BunkeringThe supply of fuel, or bunkers, to a ship, and the operation of loading it on board. Bill of ladingA carrier's document that is a receipt for cargo, a contract of carriage, and a document of title. Charter partyThe contract between a shipowner and a charterer for the hire of a ship or space on it. Port agentThe local ship agent who arranges a vessel's berthing, clearance and supplies in port. Disbursement account (DA)A port agent's itemised statement of costs paid on the owner's behalf during a port call. Proforma invoiceA preliminary, quotation-style document sent before delivery to confirm goods, prices and terms.

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