What is defined as a written contract between the ship owner and the charterer?

A charter party is a formal written agreement between a ship owner and a charterer that establishes the terms under which the charterer can use the ship to transport goods. This document outlines various aspects of the arrangement, including the duration of the charter, the agreed price, responsibilities, and obligations of both parties, as well as specific details related to the cargo being transported.

This definition highlights why the charter party is the correct choice in this context. It is a specific legal term used within maritime commerce to denote a documented contract that not only reflects the agreement reached by both parties but also serves to protect the rights and duties established within the maritime law framework.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the specific nature of the agreement related to the use of a vessel for shipping purposes. A charter agreement is a broader term and does not necessarily imply the formalized structure found in a charter party. A shipping contract can refer to various types of agreements related to the transport of goods but lacks the specificity of a charter party pertaining to the chartering of vessels. Lastly, a lease agreement typically pertains to the rental of property or equipment and is not specific to maritime operations. Thus, the charter party is the precise term used in maritime law to define this specific