In shipping and charterparty terms, abbreviations play a key role in conveying specific information quickly and concisely. Let's break down the abbreviations you listed:
1. BBB – Before Breaking Bulk
- Meaning: Payment or performance is expected before cargo is discharged (i.e., before breaking bulk). It often relates to freight payment terms.
- Use: In charter parties, it may specify that the freight is payable before the cargo is unloaded, ensuring the shipowner receives payment prior to the cargo being removed.
2. FWAD – Free Water Alongside
- Meaning: The seller is responsible for delivering the goods alongside the ship, and the buyer takes over from that point, including loading costs. "Free Water" means that the ship can berth and take water at no extra charge.
- Use: Common in maritime trade, this term outlines when the buyer's responsibility begins, especially in terms of costs and risks for the goods.
3. WVNS – Whether Vessel or Not Sailed
- Meaning: This clause indicates that payment or other contractual obligations are due regardless of whether the vessel has physically departed.
- Use: In a charterparty, this clause ensures that certain payments (often demurrage or hire) are due regardless of whether the vessel has sailed, providing protection to the shipowner.
4. BWAD – Bridges Water and Dockage
- Meaning: Costs related to bridges, water supply, and dockage (berthing charges) are included or are the responsibility of one party, depending on contract terms.
- Use: It typically appears in port-related cost clauses, clarifying who is responsible for these specific charges (owner or charterer).
5. BENDS – Both Ends
- Meaning: Refers to actions or costs related to both loading and discharging ports. For example, "BENDS 10 days" means 10 days total for loading at the origin and discharging at the destination.
- Use: It’s commonly used to stipulate laytime or the number of days allowed for cargo handling at both ports.
6. ARAG – Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp-Ghent Range
- Meaning: This refers to a specific geographic range of ports in Northern Europe.
- Use: Charterparties often use this term to define the permissible or expected loading/discharge ports within the ARAG range, which includes major European trading ports.
7. WWWW – Wibon, Wifpon, Wccon, Wibon
- Meaning: This is a compound abbreviation consisting of the following:
- WIBON: Whether In Berth or Not
- WIFPON: Whether In Free Pratique or Not
- WCCON: Whether Customs Cleared or Not
- WIBON: Whether In Berth or Not (repeated)
- Use: This clause ensures that the laytime (time allowed for loading or unloading) commences even if the ship has not yet berthed, obtained free pratique (health clearance), or cleared customs. It protects the interests of the shipowner, ensuring laytime starts without delays caused by such formalities.
These abbreviations are essential for defining responsibilities, costs, and timelines in shipping and charter party agreements, ensuring clarity between charterers, shipowners, and cargo handlers.
