In charter party terms, laytime defines what?

• A. The maximum duration of the voyage from port to port.
• B. The time window for customs clearance at destination.
• C. The time allowed for loading and unloading under the charter party, within which despatch payment may be earned.
• D. The time the vessel must remain in port to avoid penalties.

Answer: (C)

Laytime is the agreed period in the charter party during which cargo operations—loading and unloading—may take place. It sets the window for how long the ship can be worked at the port, and within this time the despatch money may be earned if loading or unloading finishes early. If the operations run beyond laytime, demurrage becomes payable to compensate the vessel for the extra time in port. The clock usually starts when the vessel is ready to load and a valid notice of readiness has been given, and stops when the loading or unloading is completed. This concept is distinct from the vessel’s total voyage time or any separate customs clearance window.