Reasonable Despatch Clause

The reasonable despatch clause is a common provision in charter party contracts (such as the Gencon form), designed to bind the charterer (or shipper) not to deliberately delay loading and unloading operations and to complete them within a reasonable time. This clause is usually used in conjunction with demurrage/despatch clauses, but it does not itself specify a particular loading or unloading rate; instead, it judges breach by the standard of 'reasonableness.' It is commonly used in voyage charter parties or bulk cargo transportation. When the contract does not stipulate a fixed laytime, the shipowner may invoke this clause to require the charterer to bear losses caused by unreasonable delay. Note: there is no uniform standard for reasonable time; it must be determined comprehensively in light of port customs, the nature of the cargo, vessel conditions, etc. Unlike a fixed loading/unloading rate clause, which specifies exact hours, the reasonable despatch clause is more flexible, and disputes require arbitration or litigation for determination. The difference from the 'customary despatch' clause is that the latter refers to customary port practices, while reasonable despatch focuses more on objective reasonableness. Foreign trade practitioners should clearly specify loading and unloading time and the method for calculating demurrage in the contract to avoid relying on vague reasonable standards.