ABSTRACT
The term “Chartering” refers to the arrangement of the use of vessels and containers for the purpose of the transport of cargo by sea. Chartering is also a major element of bulk shipping. Bulk shipping, unlike liner shipping, does rely on a specified frequency of routes and schedules; cargoes are shipped according to specific need, such as iron ore or coal, grain, fertilisers, raw sugar and forest products. In general, the chartering principle refers to the carriage of bulk cargoes by dedicated bulk carriers, but it can also refer to the carriage of general or specific cargoes on a general cargo carrier, as well as the carriage of containers on a container vessel. Vessels transporting cargoes under the terms and conditions set out in a char-terparty are known as “private carriers”, in that they are operated to cater for the needs and schedules of the shipper and the vessel owner.
