Charter Party Forms Dry Bulk Cargo & Oil / Gas Shipments Ametheus Holdings Pvt Ltd Clear. Professional. Client-First.
What is a Charter Party?
A Charter Party (CP) is the official legal contract between the cargo owner (you) and the shipowner. It clearly defines all key commercial and operational terms, including:
- Freight rate and payment terms
- Loading and discharging ports / ranges
- Cargo quantity and specifications
- Laytime (allowed time for loading and unloading)
- Demurrage and despatch (compensation for delays or early completion)
- Responsibilities of each party
- Safety, cargo care, insurance, and dispute resolution
Instead of drafting a new contract from scratch for every shipment, the global shipping industry relies on well-established standard Charter Party forms. These forms are trusted, time-tested, and universally understood by shipowners, charterers, brokers, lawyers, and port agents.
Why Do We Use Standard Forms?
- Everyone interprets the same clauses consistently
- Negotiations are faster and more efficient
- Reduces the risk of misunderstandings and costly disputes
- Provides a balanced, industry-approved foundation
- Allows us to focus on custom Rider Clauses tailored to your specific cargo, route, and risk profile
We only add, delete, or amend specific clauses to best protect your interests.
Most Commonly Used Dry Bulk Charter Party Forms
| Form | Best For | Key Features | When We Recommend It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gencon 1994 | General dry bulk cargoes | Most flexible all-purpose form | General cargoes, project cargo, when no specialist form applies |
| NORGRAIN 89 | Grains & Agri-products | Tailored for wheat, rice, corn, soybeans, etc. | Grain shipments from USA, Canada, Black Sea, Australia, India |
| OREVOY | Coal, Iron Ore & Heavy Minerals | Designed for large-volume, heavy-density cargoes | Capesize / Panamax ore and coal shipments |
| COAL-OREVOY | Coal & Iron Ore trades | Updated version with improved modern terms | Long-haul mineral and coal shipments |
Most Commonly Used Oil, Gas & Petroleum Charter Party Forms
| Form | Best For | Key Features | When We Recommend It |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASBATANKVOY | Crude, diesel, furnace oil, EN590, clean & dirty products | Widely used, balanced, and recently updated | Most general petroleum and product shipments |
| SHELLVOY 6 | Crude & petroleum products | Modern form with strong emphasis on safety & operations | When compliance, detailed performance & safety are priorities |
| BPVOY 4 / 5 | Oil & petroleum products | Comprehensive, commercially balanced terms | Trades requiring detailed, up-to-date protections |
| ASBAGASVOY | LPG, Ammonia, Petrochemical gases | Gas-specific clauses for pressure, temperature & handling | All LPG and liquefied gas shipments |
How the Process Works (Step-by-Step)
- Cargo & Route Assessment — We identify the most suitable standard form for your shipment.
- Negotiation — We secure competitive freight rates, laytime, demurrage, and other key commercial terms.
- Protective Rider Clauses — We draft and negotiate custom amendments to safeguard your interests (e.g., sanctions compliance, cargo quality, vetting, performance guarantees, etc.).
- Fixture Recap — Main terms are agreed and recorded.
- Full Charter Party — Final document is prepared, reviewed, and signed before the vessel is nominated.
Our Promise at Ametheus
We always negotiate firmly to protect your commercial position while maintaining strong, professional relationships with shipowners and brokers. Every important clause is explained to you in clear, non-technical language so you have full confidence before committing.
Whether you are shipping rice protein meal, EN590 diesel, LPG, coal, or any other commodity, our experienced team ensures the chartering process is transparent, efficient, and risk-managed.
Would you like us to:
- Explain any specific Charter Party form in greater detail?
- Prepare sample Rider Clauses for your typical cargoes?
- Draft a tailored Charter Party recap for an upcoming shipment?
Please reply or contact us directly. We are here to support your shipments every step of the way.
Ametheus Holdings Pvt Ltd Your Trusted Partner in Global Commodities & Logistics www.ametheus.com | [email protected]
