In voyage chartering, few documents
In voyage chartering, few documents carry as much practical weight as the Statement of Facts (SOF). While it may appear to be a routine port record, the SOF often becomes the foundation on which laytime calculations, demurrage claims, and commercial disputes are decided. Understanding what it is—and why it matters—is essential for anyone dealing with cargo operations, charter parties, or voyage performance.
Below are the key aspects of the Statement of Facts, explained in a structured and practical manner.
A Chronological Record of Port Events
A Statement of Facts is a time-based record that captures all significant events affecting a vessel during her stay at a port. It typically starts from the vessel’s arrival and continues until completion of cargo operations and departure formalities. Each entry is logged with dates and exact times, creating a continuous narrative of what occurred during the port call.
Rather than interpreting events, the SOF focuses on recording them objectively—what happened, when it happened, and how long it lasted.
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