Under liner terms, who bears the cost of loading and discharging?

Under liner terms, who bears the cost of loading and discharging?

• A. The charterer
• B. The shipowner
• C. The cargo receiver
• D. The insurer

Answer: (A)

In liner terms, the party who hires the vessel is responsible for handling the cargo at port, including the costs of loading and discharging. This means the charterer bears those port-handling expenses because the hire arrangement treats loading and unloading as a cargo-handling obligation that the charterer must arrange and pay for. The shipowner provides the vessel and crew, but the actual port timing, stevedoring, and related charges fall on the charterer under these terms. The cargo receiver isn’t responsible for these costs under liner terms, and the insurer’s role is limited to covering risk, not paying for loading or discharging.

In liner terms, the party who hires the vessel is responsible for handling the cargo at port, including the costs of loading and discharging. This means the charterer bears those port-handling expenses because the hire arrangement treats loading and unloading as a cargo-handling obligation that the charterer must arrange and pay for. The shipowner provides the vessel and crew, but the actual port timing, stevedoring, and related charges fall on the charterer under these terms. The cargo receiver isn’t responsible for these costs under liner terms, and the insurer’s role is limited to covering risk, not paying for loading or discharging.