Definitions #
A contract where a ship owner carries a specific cargo from one port to another for an agreed freight rate per tonne or per unit.
Technical A contract of affreightment under which the owner agrees to transport a specified cargo on a named vessel for a single voyage, with freight calculated on the quantity loaded.
Example The grain trader signed a voyage charter to ship wheat from Odessa to Alexandria at a fixed rate per tonne.
Form of shipping hire for one trip only, covering loading, carriage, and unloading.
Technical A fixture for a specific journey, where the time risk (laytime and demurrage) is allocated to the charterer.
Example The owner preferred a voyage charter over a time charter because the vessel would be free sooner.
Etymology #
From Old French voiage, from Latin viaticum, 'provisions for a journey' + charter from Old French chartre, 'a written agreement'.
Collocations #
- voyage charter party 航次租船合同（通常缩写为 GENCON）
- laytime and demurrage 装卸时间和滞期费，按合同规定计算
- freight rate per tonne 每吨运费率
Real Business Examples #
- The grain trader signed a voyage charter to ship wheat from Odessa to Alexandria at a fixed rate per tonne.
- Under the voyage charter party, laytime of 10 days is allowed for loading and discharge in accordance with weather permitting.
Register & Variants #
- Register: formal
- BrE/AmE: global
Synonyms & Antonyms #
- Synonyms: trip charter, voyage fixture
- Antonyms: time charter, demise charter
Common Errors #
- Assuming demurrage is always paid by the shipowner. Demurrage is payable by the charterer when loading or unloading exceeds the agreed laytime.
Confusable Terms #
- time charter vs Voyage Charter
- A time charter hires the vessel for a period (e.g., a year), whereas a voyage charter covers only one trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays for fuel in a voyage charter??
The shipowner is responsible for fuel and vessel operating costs; the charterer pays freight and possible demurrage.
Published: 2026-09-27 Category: Shipping