Container Demurrage and Detention

If not otherwise indicated in the individually published tariffs, the following rules of detention calculations shall apply:

“Free Days” refers to the period of time offered by the Carrier to the Merchant free of charge, covering both the demurrage period and the detention period, beyond which additional charges such as, but not limited to demurrage and detention charges on a per-container-per-day (or part thereof) basis, will be due to the Carrier. These charges do not include port storage costs and reefer services which are charged to the Merchant separately. Free time is calculated on a calendar day basis.

For Imports: Free days will start from the day the container is discharged from the vessel. The calculation of days will stop when the container is returned to the relevant depot.

For Exports: Free days will start when the container is picked up from the depot location and sent to the shipper. The calculation of days will stop when the container is received full at the terminal.

Free days for cancelled bookings: In case of booking cancellation, no free time is applicable, and detention charges will be invoiced as per standard tariff. Each day or part thereof is due from Merchant in full.

Chargeable Slabs for extended free days: If extended free time is provided to the Merchant (which request will be considered by Carrier on a case-by-case basis), the amount chargeable after expiry of the extended free time will not revert automatically to the first slab/period. Charges will be invoiced according to the slab/period relative to the number of free days originally contracted between parties.
By way of illustration, Merchant is provided with 3 free days as contracted between Carrier and Merchant. Carrier subsequently agrees to extend free time to 8 days and Merchant ends up using 10 days. Detention charges are as follows:

Detention was originally chargeable for Days 4 to 10 at:
– Day 4 to Day 8: $10 per container per day
– Day 9 and Day 10: $100 per container per day

With the extension, there will be no charges for Days 4 to 8. Days 9 to 10 will be charged at $100 per container per day.

Should you have any questions on the above, please contact your local Swire Shipping representative.