ABSTRACT
As with the change of destination, agreement by the carrying line is at its discretion. Goods so shipped become known as optional cargo which, whether containerised or breakbulk, require an optional stow: this means that they are placed on board the ship in such a way that they can be taken off at any of the optional ports without the need to disturb cargo for later ports. Shipping lines usually charge a fee for this service which consists of an amount per freight ton for breakbulk cargo or an amount per container (higher for a 40-foot container than for a 20-footer) if goods are shipped FCL. This facility is not available for goods shipped LCL in the same way that a change of destination is not possible since the container has several consignments for the same, single destination. The merchant is required to give the shipping line an agreed number of days’ notice before arrival at the first of the optional ports as to which of the ports he is selecting for discharge of his cargo.
