Ship Chartering, Brokering, Laytime and Demurrage Training Course

Port and Shipping Management

Date	Format	Duration	Fees (GBP)	Register
05 Jan – 09 Jan, 2026	Live Online	5 Days	£2850	Register →
06 Apr – 10 Apr, 2026	Live Online	5 Days	£2850	Register →
01 Jun – 03 Jun, 2026	Live Online	3 Days	£1975	Register →
01 Jun – 19 Jun, 2026	Live Online	15 Days	£8675	Register →
13 Jul – 31 Jul, 2026	Live Online	15 Days	£8675	Register →
17 Aug – 25 Aug, 2026	Live Online	7 Days	£3825	Register →
26 Oct – 28 Oct, 2026	Live Online	3 Days	£1975	Register →
30 Nov – 04 Dec, 2026	Live Online	5 Days	£2850	Register →
07 Dec – 18 Dec, 2026	Live Online	10 Days	£5825	Register →

Date	Venue	Duration	Fees (GBP)	Register
05 Jan – 07 Jan, 2026	Nairobi	3 Days	£3525	Register →
23 Feb – 25 Feb, 2026	London	3 Days	£3825	Register →
23 Mar – 03 Apr, 2026	New York	10 Days	£9925	Register →
27 Apr – 08 May, 2026	Nairobi	10 Days	£8350	Register →
01 Jun – 12 Jun, 2026	Singapore	10 Days	£8025	Register →
08 Jun – 12 Jun, 2026	Dubai	5 Days	£4200	Register →
06 Jul – 17 Jul, 2026	Amsterdam	10 Days	£8750	Register →
03 Aug – 07 Aug, 2026	Dubai	5 Days	£4200	Register →
28 Sep – 16 Oct, 2026	Dubai	15 Days	£10400	Register →

Why Select This Training Course

In the maritime industry, expertise in ship chartering, brokering, and managing laytime and demurrage is crucial for success and legal compliance. This specialised training goes beyond the basics, equipping you with the strategic skills needed to thrive in a competitive field. The course delves into both fundamental concepts and advanced techniques in ship chartering and brokering, providing a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s dynamics. The global shipbroking market is a vital part of the maritime industry, with shipbrokers earning an average salary ranging from $40,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience and location (Ship Broker Salary | Average Pay [2024]).

You’ll gain insights into essential principles, practical applications, and the latest trends, ensuring you’re well-prepared to navigate the complexities of ship chartering and brokering. The ship chartering market is expected to grow significantly, driven by increasing global trade and the demand for efficient shipping solutions.

What is laytime and demurrage in shipping industry?

Laytime and demurrage are crucial concepts in the shipping industry related to the time allocated for loading and unloading cargo. Laytime refers to the period agreed upon in the charter party (shipping contract) during which a shipowner allows the charterer to load or unload cargo without incurring additional charges. This period is typically defined in the charter party and can be influenced by factors such as the type of cargo and port conditions. On the other hand, demurrage is the penalty incurred when the loading or unloading activities exceed the agreed laytime. Demurrage charges compensate the shipowner for the delayed occupation of their vessel, which potentially disrupts subsequent engagements and affects profitability. According to a market analysis by Drewry (2021), demurrage costs in major ports can vary significantly but often start at around USD 50 per container per day and can escalate with prolonged delays.

Who pays for laytime?

Laytime itself does not inherently involve a monetary transaction; instead, it represents the agreed-upon period during which the charterer is allowed to load or unload cargo without incurring additional charges. Essentially, laytime is “time without cost” for these operations, as stipulated in the charter party agreement.

However, if the loading or unloading exceeds the allocated laytime, the charterer is typically responsible for paying demurrage charges to the shipowner. These charges compensate the owner for the loss of potential revenue and additional costs associated with the delayed release of the vessel.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for professionals in the maritime and shipping industry, including:

Chartering Managers
Ship Brokers
Operations Managers
Shipping Agents
Marine Superintendents
Maritime Lawyers
Logistics Coordinators
Claims Managers
Compliance Officers
Fleet Managers
Trade and Transport Consultants

What are the Course Objectives?

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Understand and draft charter party agreements effectively.
Calculate laytime and manage demurrage with precision.
Facilitate efficient ship brokering activities.
Navigate the legal and commercial aspects of chartering.
Implement risk mitigation strategies in chartering and brokering.
Utilise advanced technologies for contract management.
Enhance efficiency in chartering operations.
Develop strong negotiation skills for better charter agreements.

How will this course be presented?

This course will be delivered through an engaging and interactive approach, comprising:

Interactive Lectures: Presentations by experienced maritime experts.
Real-World Case Studies: Analysis of real-life chartering and brokering scenarios.
Practical Workshops: Hands-on exercises to apply theoretical knowledge.
Group Discussions: Forums for knowledge sharing and collaborative learning.
Simulations: Realistic scenario-based exercises.
Technological Tools: Use of modern software for charter management.
Assignments and Projects: Practical tasks to solidify understanding.
Assessments: Regular tests to evaluate comprehension and progress.
Networking Sessions: Opportunities to connect with industry experts and peers.

What are the Topics Covered in this Course?

Module 1: Financial Management in Ship Chartering

Budgeting and cost control in chartering
Understanding freight rates and market trends
Financial implications of charter party terms
Managing revenues and expenses
Financial risk assessment and mitigation
Utilising financial software tools
Case studies on successful financial management
Best practices in cost management
Reporting and financial transparency
Training personnel in financial management techniques

Module 2: Advanced Charter Party Agreements

In-depth analysis of voyage charters
Understanding time charters
Legal implications of charter party clauses
Negotiating charter agreements
Risk management in chartering
Force Majeure and termination clauses
Laytime calculation and demurrage clauses
Dispute resolution in chartering
Practical examples from case law

Module 3: Ship Brokering Practices

Role and responsibilities of ship brokers
Market analysis and intelligence gathering
Strategic negotiation techniques
Building and maintaining client relationships
Ethical standards in brokering
Utilising brokering software and tools
Assessing shipping market trends and rates
Legal and regulatory considerations
Documenting and reporting transactions
Real-world success stories and case studies

Module 4: Laytime Calculation and Management

Understanding laytime terms and provisions
Calculating laytime: principles and practices
Interruptions and exclusions in laytime
Impact of weather and port conditions
Demurrage and despatch calculations
Common laytime calculation errors and how to avoid them
Case studies on laytime calculations and disputes

Module 5: Demurrage and Dispute Resolution

Understanding demurrage: legal and commercial aspects
Calculating demurrage accurately
Factors affecting demurrage claims
Strategies for minimising demurrage costs
Effective dispute resolution mechanisms
Preparing and presenting claims
Arbitration and mediation in shipping disputes
Case studies on demurrage disputes
Best practices for dispute prevention
Documentation and record-keeping for disputes

Module 6: Charter Party Execution and Management

Preparing and finalising charter party agreements
Key responsibilities during the charter period
Monitoring vessel performance and compliance
Managing operational risks
Handling amendments and variations in charters
Termination and default clauses
Best practices for efficient charter management

Module 7: Risk Management in Ship Chartering

Identifying potential risks in chartering
Mitigation strategies for identified risks
Insurance considerations and coverage
Managing financial and operational risks
Legal frameworks and compliance
Utilising risk management technology
Case studies on effective risk management

Module 8: Advanced Negotiation Techniques

Principles of negotiation in ship chartering
Preparing for successful negotiations
Tactics for negotiating favourable terms
Handling difficult negotiations and conflicts
Cross-cultural considerations in international charters
Use of negotiation simulation tools
Case studies on successful negotiations
Continuous improvement in negotiation skills
Post-negotiation assessments
Negotiation ethics and integrity
Building long-term relationships through negotiation
Assessing the outcomes of negotiations

Module 9: Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Overview of maritime laws and regulations
Legal frameworks governing charter parties
Regulatory compliance in different jurisdictions
Environmental and safety regulations
Impact of international conventions
Handling legal disputes and litigation
Documentation for legal compliance
Role of maritime lawyers in chartering
Case studies on regulatory compliance

Module 10: Utilising Technology in Ship Chartering

Digital tools for charter party management
Real-time tracking and performance monitoring
Blockchain applications in charters
Big data analytics for decision making
AI and machine learning in chartering processes
Integrating digital systems with traditional practices
Cybersecurity in digital chartering
Case studies on technology adoption
Training staff on new technologies

Module 11: Performance Optimisation in Chartering

Monitoring and evaluating vessel performance
Key performance indicators (KPIs) in chartering
Strategies for optimising time and cost efficiency
Real-time performance tracking tools
Role of data analytics in performance management
Continuous improvement techniques
Case studies on performance optimisation
Implementing operational best practices
Evaluating performance management systems
Training for performance optimisation