Surat Demurrage is a common term in the shipping industry that refers to the compensation paid by a cargo owner or consignee for the delay of a vessel beyond the agreed time for unloading or loading of cargo. It is a charge that is levied by the shipping companies to recover the costs incurred due to the delay caused by the consignee or cargo owner.

Pengertian Surat Demurrage

Surat Demurrage is a legal contract between the shipping company and the consignee or cargo owner. It is an agreement that outlines the terms and conditions regarding the payment of the demurrage charges in case of delay in unloading or loading of cargo. The purpose of this agreement is to protect the interest of the shipping company and ensure timely delivery of the cargo.

Fungsi Surat Demurrage

The primary function of Surat Demurrage is to compensate the shipping company for the additional costs incurred due to the delay caused by the consignee or cargo owner. The demurrage charges are usually calculated on a daily basis and are based on the size of the vessel, type of cargo, and the port of discharge. The payment of these charges encourages the consignee or cargo owner to expedite the unloading or loading process and ensures timely delivery of the cargo.

Tujuan Surat Demurrage

The main objective of Surat Demurrage is to ensure the smooth and timely delivery of the cargo. By charging a demurrage fee, the shipping company can recover the costs incurred due to the delay and avoid any financial loss. It also encourages the consignee or cargo owner to take timely action and avoid any unnecessary delays.

Format of Surat Demurrage

The format of Surat Demurrage may vary depending on the specific requirements of the shipping company. However, it usually includes the following information:

  • Name and address of the consignee or cargo owner
  • Name and address of the shipping company
  • Description of the cargo
  • Date of arrival and expected date of unloading or loading
  • Demurrage charges and payment terms
  • Penalties for late payment

Contoh Surat Demurrage

Here are 2 examples of Surat Demurrage:

Example 1:

Dear Mr. John,

We would like to inform you that your cargo has arrived at the port of discharge. As per our agreement, the cargo should have been unloaded within 3 days of arrival. However, we regret to inform you that the vessel has been delayed due to the late arrival of the tugboat.

Therefore, we will be charging you a demurrage fee of $500 per day for the delay caused by the late unloading of your cargo. The total demurrage charges will be $1500 for the 3-day delay. The payment should be made within 7 days of receiving this notice. Failure to pay the charges within the specified time will result in additional penalties.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Best regards,

Shipping Company XYZ

Example 2:

Dear Mr. Smith,

We regret to inform you that your cargo has not been loaded on the vessel due to the late submission of the shipping documents. As per our agreement, the shipping documents should have been submitted 3 days prior to the arrival of the vessel.

Therefore, we will be charging you a demurrage fee of $500 per day for the delay caused by the late submission of the shipping documents. The total demurrage charges will be $1500 for the 3-day delay. The payment should be made within 7 days of receiving this notice. Failure to pay the charges within the specified time will result in additional penalties.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Best regards,

Shipping Company XYZ

FAQs

Q. What is the difference between demurrage and detention?

A. Demurrage is a charge levied by the shipping company for the delay in unloading or loading of cargo, while detention is a charge levied by the shipping company for the delay in returning the shipping container to the designated location.

Q. How are demurrage charges calculated?

A. Demurrage charges are usually calculated on a daily basis and are based on the size of the vessel, type of cargo, and the port of discharge.

Q. What happens if I fail to pay the demurrage charges?

A. Failure to pay the demurrage charges within the specified time will result in additional penalties and may also result in legal action against the consignee or cargo owner.

Conclusion

Surat Demurrage is an important aspect of the shipping industry that ensures timely and efficient delivery of cargo. By understanding the basics of Surat Demurrage, cargo owners and consignees can avoid unnecessary delays and additional costs. It is important to comply with the terms and conditions of the Surat Demurrage agreement to avoid any legal consequences.