demurrage

USAGE SUMMARY

The word demurrage is correct and usable in written English.
Demurrage typically refers to the additional cost associated with a ship, airplane, train, or another vehicle if it is detained beyond its scheduled departure or delivery time. An example sentence could be: The shipping company was liable for significant demurrage charges after the cargo ship was delayed due to inclement weather.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Ships loaded with cement formed a queue stretching for miles outside Lagos harbour, creating a spectacle that commercial pilots would take a detour to gawp at, and racking up months of demurrage fees.

The Economist

Cargo ships to take canola to China and Japan and wheat to Mexico, Japan and Iraq were left stranded in port, totting up demurrage fees.

The Economist

Demurrage fees are paid for by grain companies that contract the ships, but that cost is eventually passed on to the farmers, too.The railways blame the weather.

The Economist

Demurrage and detention reflect the traffic manager's responsibility to load and unload carrier equipment promptly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If he does not, then the carrier assesses daily detention or demurrage charges until the traffic manager's firm frees the carrier's equipment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The traffic manager is concerned with freight consolidation, carrier rates and charges, carrier selection, documentation, tracing and expediting, loss and damage claims, diversion and reconsignment, demurrage and detention, movements of hazardous materials, and use of private carriage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is believed to be costing tens of thousands of pounds in "demurrage" fees for the three cargo ships to wait offshore.

Independent

Their demurrage is around twenty thousand dollars a day.

The New Yorker

Any such country with a bancor credit balance more than half its overdraft facility would be charged interest (or demurrage) at 10%.

The Guardian - Books

He is running up a bill of two dollars and seventy-five cents for demurrage charges.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal documents, accurately define "demurrage" and specify the conditions under which it applies to prevent ambiguity.

Common error

Don't use "demurrage" and detention interchangeably. "Demurrage" applies to delays in loading or unloading a vessel or vehicle, whereas detention refers to the charges for holding carrier equipment beyond the allotted free time outside of the port or terminal.

Linguistic Context

The noun "demurrage" functions as a countable noun referring to the compensation paid for detaining a ship or freight vehicle beyond the agreed-upon time for loading or unloading. It can also refer to the detention itself. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in business and legal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "demurrage" is a noun referring to fees incurred due to delays in loading or unloading cargo, as well as the detention itself. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in formal contexts such as business, legal, and shipping. While "demurrage" is not an extremely common term, understanding its meaning and proper usage is essential in international trade and logistics. Be sure to differentiate it from related terms such as detention, and always clearly define responsibilities for payment in contracts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vessel delay costs

Directly related to the financial impact of a vessel's delay.

detention charges

Focuses specifically on charges incurred due to the detention of goods or equipment.

freight delay surcharges

Highlights the additional charges applied due to delays in freight delivery.

late fees

A more general term for charges incurred due to lateness, applicable in various contexts beyond shipping.

delay penalties

Emphasizes the penal aspect of charges resulting from delays.

storage fees

Highlights the cost associated with storing goods for an extended period.

extended stay costs

Broader term indicating expenses due to a prolonged duration of stay.

waiting time compensation

Specifically refers to payment for the time spent waiting.

berth occupancy charges

Fees for occupying a berth beyond the agreed time.

port congestion fees

Charges applied due to congestion at the port, causing delays.

FAQs

How is "demurrage" typically calculated?

Demurrage is usually calculated on a daily rate, beginning after the free time allowed for loading or unloading has expired. The rate can vary depending on the contract terms, type of cargo, and location.

What's the difference between "demurrage" and "detention charges"?

"Demurrage" applies to the time a vessel or container is delayed at the port, while "detention charges" refer to the fees incurred when the container is held outside the port beyond the allowed free time.

Who is typically responsible for paying "demurrage"?

The party responsible for paying "demurrage" is usually the shipper or receiver of the goods, as specified in the shipping contract or bill of lading.

How can I avoid or minimize "demurrage" fees?

To minimize "demurrage", ensure timely loading and unloading of cargo, coordinate closely with carriers and port authorities, and manage documentation efficiently to avoid delays.