Introduction
Short sea shipping has become an integral part of Europe’s transportation infrastructure, offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional road freight. This mode of transport is especially relevant for breakbulk, project cargo, and bulk shipments. For shipbrokers, shipowners, and cargo owners, short sea shipping presents unique opportunities to optimize operations, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact.
Key Terminology and Abbreviations in Short Sea Shipping
For professionals working within the short sea segment, understanding advanced shipping terminology is crucial. Below is an extensive glossary tailored to breakbulk, project cargo, and bulk transport:
- SHINC (Sundays and Holidays Included): Sundays and holidays are counted as part of the laytime, impacting the calculation of demurrage or despatch.
- SHEX (Sundays and Holidays Excluded): Sundays and holidays are excluded from the laytime calculation, potentially reducing time-related charges.
- FIO (Free In/Out): The charterer is responsible for loading and unloading the cargo, while the shipowner handles the sea voyage.
- FIOS (Free In/Out and Stowed): Similar to FIO, but the charterer also handles the stowage of the cargo.
- LILO (Liner In/Liner Out): The shipowner covers both the loading and unloading costs, common in liner services.
- DEM (Demurrage): A fee charged by the shipowner to the charterer when the vessel is delayed beyond the agreed laytime.
- DESP (Despatch): A rebate paid by the shipowner to the charterer if loading or unloading is completed faster than the agreed laytime.
- NOR (Notice of Readiness): A formal notification from the ship's captain indicating that the vessel is ready to load or discharge cargo.
- ATDNSHINC (Any Time Day or Night Sundays and Holidays Included): Laytime can be counted continuously without interruptions, even on weekends and holidays.
- WIBON (Whether In Berth or Not): Laytime starts when the vessel arrives at the port, even if it is not yet berthed.
- AFSPS (Arrival First Sea Pilot Station): Refers to the first point where a ship meets the sea pilot upon arrival at a port.
- Sub (Subject To): A conditional term used in negotiations, meaning that the agreement is subject to certain conditions being met, such as "sub owners' approval" or "sub details."
- Adcom (Added Commission): An additional commission that a broker adds to the freight cost for assigning the cargo to another party.
Breakbulk, Project Cargo, and Bulk in Short Sea Shipping
- Breakbulk Cargo: This category includes goods that are individually loaded, such as steel beams, large machinery, or palletized products. Unlike containerized cargo, breakbulk items require specialized handling and stowage. Keelspot’s platform efficiently matches these cargoes with suitable vessels, reducing idle time and maximizing utilization.
- Project Cargo: Project cargo involves the transport of oversized, heavy, or complex pieces of equipment that require specialized logistics solutions. This could include anything from wind turbines to industrial machinery. Keelspot excels in managing these shipments by offering a streamlined digital platform that facilitates the coordination between shippers, brokers, and carriers.
- Bulk Cargo: In short sea shipping, bulk cargo often refers to commodities like grains, coal, and minerals. The efficient transport of bulk goods requires precise planning and scheduling to avoid delays. Keelspot’s platform offers real-time data and advanced routing options, ensuring that bulk shipments are handled with maximum efficiency.
Keelspot’s Role in Revolutionizing Short Sea Shipping
Keelspot is pioneering the world’s first digital marketplace dedicated specifically to short sea shipping, with a particular focus on breakbulk, project cargo, and bulk transport. Our platform is designed to make the short sea market more accessible, offering a user-friendly interface that simplifies complex logistics. Whether you’re a seasoned shipbroker or a cargo owner new to maritime transport, Keelspot provides the tools you need to optimize operations, cut costs, and reduce carbon emissions.
Our “sweet spot” lies in managing breakbulk and project cargo, though we also accommodate traditional bulk loads. By offering a comprehensive digital solution, Keelspot ensures that every shipment is executed with precision and efficiency, fostering a more sustainable and profitable shipping industry.
Advanced Shipping Glossary
- CAF (Currency Adjustment Factor): A fee applied to compensate for exchange rate fluctuations.
- BAF (Bunker Adjustment Factor): A surcharge reflecting the cost of fuel used by the vessel.
- WHF (Wharfage): A port fee for using a wharf to load or unload cargo from a vessel.
- CUC (Chassis Using Charge): A fee for using a chassis to transport containers within a port area.
- Documentation Fee: A charge for processing and issuing shipping documents, such as bills of lading.
Conclusion
Short sea shipping is a versatile and eco-friendly alternative to road transport, especially for breakbulk, project cargo, and bulk shipments. With Keelspot’s innovative platform, the complexities of maritime logistics are simplified, making it easier than ever to connect cargo with the right vessel. As the first digital marketplace dedicated to short sea shipping, Keelspot is leading the way in making maritime transport more efficient, accessible, and sustainable.
For shipbrokers, shipowners, forwarders, and cargo owners alike, Keelspot offers a unique opportunity to streamline operations and achieve better outcomes in the short sea market.
