Vessel Chartering: Why a Firm Cargo Enquiry Gets Better Market Response

A vessel chartering enquiry does not need to be long.

It does need to be clear.

Owners and operators receive many cargo enquiries every day. The enquiries that can be evaluated quickly are usually those containing enough information to determine whether the vessel is technically and commercially suitable.

For most cargoes, the essential information includes:

• cargo description;
• quantity;
• dimensions and weights where relevant;
• loading port;
• discharging port;
• laycan;
• loading and discharging terms;
• any special restrictions.

For project and breakbulk cargo, drawings, photographs and packing details can also be important.

For dry bulk cargo, the stowage factor and loading/discharging rates may materially affect the freight calculation.

Incomplete enquiries often lead to additional questions.

This costs time and can be particularly problematic when suitable tonnage is limited or the laycan is approaching.

A clear enquiry allows a shipbroker to approach the right owners first instead of circulating the cargo indiscriminately across the market.

It can also improve the quality of the offers received because owners understand the voyage requirements before quoting.

Kiev Shipping provides international ship chartering and maritime brokerage for dry bulk, breakbulk, project and oversized cargoes.

We search the freight market, compare suitable vessel options and negotiate commercial terms on behalf of cargo interests.

A well-prepared enquiry does not guarantee a low freight rate.

It does, however, make it easier to obtain realistic vessel options quickly.

Send your cargo requirements through our ship chartering services.