What must a charterer pay if they request early unloading?

When a charterer requests early unloading, they are typically responsible for paying the full freight and any damages caused. This is due to the nature of charter agreements, which are designed to ensure that carriers are appropriately compensated for the services they provide, including the fulfillment of transport obligations.

In a standard charter, the freight is the payment made for the transportation of goods. If unloading is executed earlier than agreed upon, this can disrupt the schedule and logistics not only for the ship but also for the shipping company. Consequently, the request for early unloading can lead to additional costs, such as operational disruptions or loss of revenue from potential missed other cargo opportunities.

Therefore, the responsible action in this situation is for the charterer to pay full freight as if the goods were unloaded at the originally agreed time, along with any damages that may occur as a result of their request for early unloading. This ensures that the interests of the shipowner are protected under the terms of the charter and reflects the principle that the charterer's decision impacts the operational efficacy of the vessel.