Distinguish between demurrage and detention under a charter party and what triggers each charge.

• A. Demurrage is charged for exceeding laytime during cargo operations at the port; detention is charged when the vessel is delayed outside the loading/discharging port or after redelivery due to cargo or contract terms.
• B. Demurrage is charged for delays in port; detention for delays in sea passages.
• C. Both are identical; different terms.
• D. Demurrage applies to crew delays; detention to cargo.

Answer: (A)

The test is checking your understanding of how charges arise from time delays in a charter party, specifically the difference between delays during port operations (laytime) and delays outside those operations or after redelivery. Demurrage is tied to what happens at the port: if the loading or unloading goes beyond the agreed laytime, the shipowner earns demurrage for the extra time the vessel spends tied up while cargo is being handled. Detention, on the other hand, covers time the vessel is kept from sailing or finalizing the contract outside the port window or after redelivery due to cargo-related issues or terms of the contract. In short, demurrage = extra time used for port cargo operations; detention = extra time away from port or after redelivery caused by cargo/contract terms. The other options mix up where and when the delay occurs and mischaracterize the relationship between the two charges.