Laytime and Demurrage Calculation Training Course
Laytime and Demurrage Calculation Training Course provides in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience on calculating laytime and demurrage in both voyage and time charter parties.

Course Overview
Laytime and Demurrage Calculation Training Course
Introduction
In today’s global maritime and shipping industry, the effective management of laytime and demurrage is vital for reducing financial risk and ensuring efficient cargo handling. Laytime and Demurrage Calculation Training Course provides in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience on calculating laytime and demurrage in both voyage and time charter parties. With increasing pressure on maritime operators to optimize turnaround time at ports and reduce costs, mastering laytime and demurrage calculations is a strategic asset.
Designed for shipping professionals, port agents, marine lawyers, and operations staff, the course covers real-world scenarios, charter party clauses, time-counting rules, dispute resolution, and commercial implications of miscalculation. Participants will gain both theoretical and practical tools to improve their contractual and operational decision-making in global shipping logistics.
Course Objectives
- Understand the fundamentals of laytime calculation and industry-specific terminology.
- Analyze key charter party clauses relevant to laytime and demurrage.
- Identify the difference between reversible, non-reversible, and average laytime concepts.
- Apply practical demurrage calculation techniques using real-life shipping documents.
- Evaluate the role of notice of readiness (NOR) and its impact on time counting.
- Interpret laytime exceptions and interruption rules in dry and wet charters.
- Understand despatch money and its commercial implications.
- Use case studies to solve disputes on demurrage claims.
- Leverage digital tools and spreadsheets for laytime efficiency analysis.
- Master the use of laytime statements and calculations under Gencon and Shelltime charters.
- Navigate legal precedents and arbitration related to demurrage.
- Understand how port operations impact laytime performance.
- Enhance contract negotiation strategies by minimizing laytime exposure.
Target Audience
- Chartering Managers
- Marine Operations Officers
- Port Agents
- Ship Owners and Operators
- Freight Forwarders
- Maritime Lawyers
- Claims Analysts
- Maritime Training Institutes and Educators
Course Duration: 5 days
Modules Overview
Module 1: Introduction to Laytime and Demurrage
- Definition of laytime and demurrage
- Types of charter parties (voyage vs. time)
- Importance in maritime contracts
- Industry standards and terminology
- Common disputes overview
- Case Study: Laytime misinterpretation leading to financial loss
Module 2: Time Counting and Notice of Readiness (NOR)
- When does laytime start?
- Valid NOR requirements
- Readiness conditions and berth availability
- Rules on working and non-working time
- Interruptions and holidays
- Case Study: Dispute over NOR acceptance at congested port
Module 3: Laytime Calculation Techniques
- Statement of facts usage
- Reversible vs. non-reversible laytime
- Calculation for bulk vs. containerized cargo
- Spreadsheet tools for laytime tracking
- Daily rate conversion methods
- Case Study: Complex bulk carrier laytime calculation
Module 4: Demurrage and Despatch Explained
- Definition and triggers of demurrage
- Despatch and its rate calculation
- Standard demurrage clauses
- Impact of delay on profit margins
- Documentation for demurrage claims
- Case Study: Tanker demurrage due to bad weather delays
Module 5: Charter Party Clauses and Legal Interpretation
- Gencon, Asbatankvoy, Shelltime overview
- Exceptions and force majeure clauses
- Readiness clause interpretation
- Redelivery and laytime overlap
- Penalty clauses and enforcement
- Case Study: Arbitration on laytime exclusion clause
Module 6: Advanced Issues in Laytime Calculation
- Multiple port loading/discharging
- Interruptions in laytime: rain, strikes, etc.
- Berth congestion rules
- Shift changes and mechanical failures
- Cargo readiness vs. vessel readiness
- Case Study: Dry cargo laytime interrupted by port closure
Module 7: Dispute Resolution and Claims Management
- Common causes of disputes
- Claim documentation and timelines
- Arbitration vs. court litigation
- Cost recovery strategies
- Avoiding penalties through proper recording
- Case Study: Legal outcome of wrongly filed demurrage claim
Module 8: Digitalization and Best Practices
- Laytime calculation software tools
- Automation of statements and reports
- Integration with port operations systems
- Smart contract clauses
- Training and compliance standards
- Case Study: Use of digital platforms to reduce calculation errors
Training Methodology
- Interactive instructor-led sessions
- Case-based problem-solving
- Hands-on spreadsheet practice
- Simulation of real charter scenarios
- Role-play and group exercises
- Access to legal document templates
Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount
Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104
Certification
Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.
Tailor-Made Course
We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.
Key Notes
a. The participant must be conversant with English.
b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate
c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.
d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.
e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.
f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.