Maritime glossary

Disbursement account (DA)

A port agent itemised statement of all costs paid on the owner behalf during a port call.

A disbursement account, often shortened to DA, is the itemised statement of all the costs a port agent pays on the shipowner behalf during a port call. It lists port dues, pilotage, towage, agency fees and the supplies and services arranged for the vessel.

What is in a disbursement account

A disbursement account separates third-party charges, such as port and canal dues, pilotage and towage, from the agent own agency fee. Owners often receive a proforma disbursement account estimating costs before the call and a final account with supporting invoices afterwards.

Why it matters for suppliers

Chandlery and service charges arranged through the agent usually appear in the disbursement account, so accurate, well-documented supplier invoices help the account reconcile cleanly. Clear paperwork speeds payment and builds trust with the agent and owner.

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Related terms

Port agent Agency fee Proforma invoice Bunkering Charter party All glossary terms →

Frequently asked questions

What is a disbursement account?
A disbursement account, or DA, is the itemised statement of all costs a port agent pays on the shipowner behalf during a port call, including port dues, pilotage, towage, agency fees and supplies.
What is a proforma disbursement account?
A proforma disbursement account is an estimate of the expected port-call costs that the agent sends the owner before the call, often used to request funds in advance. A final account with invoices follows afterwards.
What does DA stand for in shipping?
In shipping, DA stands for disbursement account, the agent itemised record of costs paid on the owner behalf during a port call.
What is included in a disbursement account?
A disbursement account includes port and canal dues, pilotage and towage, mooring, the agency fee, and supplies and services such as provisions, stores and spares arranged for the vessel.

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