Mooring/Unmooring Charge

Mooring/Unmooring Charge refers to the fee paid to the terminal or service provider for mooring and unmooring operations when a vessel berths or departs from a port. This charge is usually borne by the shipowner or charterer, depending on the terms of the charter party (such as FIO, FIOST, etc.). It applies in liner shipping, charter shipping, and port operations, commonly during the loading/discharging preparation stage. Note: This charge may already be included in port disbursements or stevedoring charges; contracts should be checked to avoid duplicate payment. Different ports have different charging methods (per operation, per ton, or per berth hour). Unlike 'berthage', mooring/unmooring charge only covers line handling operations and does not include berth occupancy; unlike 'towage', the latter involves tugging the vessel. Foreign trade practitioners should clarify the allocation of this charge in quotations and settlements to prevent extra costs.