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Simple English definitions for legal terms
demurrage
Read a random definition: confectio
A quick definition of demurrage:
Demurrage is a fee that a charterer (someone who hires a ship) has to pay to the shipowner if they take longer than the agreed time to load or unload cargo. This fee is like a penalty for being late. There are two types of demurrage: contract demurrage, which is agreed upon in the contract between the charterer and shipowner, and non-contract demurrage, which is ordered by a court. Demurrage can also refer to a charge for returning ocean containers or equipment late.
A more thorough explanation:
Demurrage is a term used in maritime law to refer to the liquidated damages that a charterer owes to a shipowner for failing to load or unload cargo within the agreed time. There are two types of demurrage:
This is demurrage that is paid by a charterer if the time to load or unload the vessel at port takes longer than what was agreed upon in the charterer's contract with the shipowner. For example, if a charterer agrees to unload a cargo ship within three days but takes five days to do so, they will have to pay contract demurrage to the shipowner.
This is demurrage that is not provided for in the contract but is ordered by a court. For example, if a charterer fails to unload a cargo ship within the agreed time and the shipowner takes them to court, the court may order the charterer to pay non-contract demurrage as damages for detention.
In addition to the above, demurrage can also refer to a charge that is due for the late return of ocean containers or other equipment.
Overall, demurrage is a way to compensate shipowners for the loss of time and money caused by a charterer's failure to load or unload cargo within the agreed time.