The International Transport Intermediaries Club (ITIC) is advising ship agents to record weekend operations and cost-sensitive decisions in writing after handling a case involving a 150% stevedoring surcharge that led to a dispute between a shipowner and its agent.
The incident, ITIC said, shows the importance of clear authorisations and accurate pro forma disbursement accounts (PDAs) to prevent costly misunderstandings.
The dispute began when a vessel’s berthing was delayed from Thursday to Friday, pushing discharge operations into Saturday. The extension triggered a 150% weekend surcharge that had been stated in the PDA issued before arrival. The shipowner refused to pay the additional cost, arguing that the agent should have postponed work until Monday to avoid higher rates. Weekend surcharges at the port were set at 150% for Saturdays and 200% for Sundays and bank holidays.
With ITIC’s backing, the agent was found to have acted appropriately since the Master had approved the continuation of work. The main issue, ITIC said, was whether the weekend surcharge applied, as the owner had declined to pay both the surcharge and the base shift cost. ITIC also said the base cost would have been incurred on any regular working day and that delaying operations could have caused berth loss, further complications, and financial exposure. After ITIC’s involvement, the owner agreed to settle all charges.
Mark Brattman, ITIC’s claims director, said that although weekend rates were clearly indicated in the PDA, agents should confirm cost-sensitive operations in advance whenever possible. He added that clear written communication and proper record-keeping remain essential for protecting agents from similar conflicts.
Legal analysts observe that unclear instructions and scheduling issues are common sources of charterparty disputes. UAE-based firm LawDXB said such disagreements often involve delays, demurrage claims, and operational deviations that lead to cost-related disputes. The firm also noted that arbitration is often preferred in maritime cases for its confidentiality and efficiency, a process frequently used by ITIC when assisting members in dispute resolution.
LawDXB further stated that precise contracts and open communication are vital to minimising legal exposure - consistent with ITIC’s reminder for agents to confirm all weekend operations and cost-related actions in writing.
ITIC’s recent cases show similar risks. In May 2025, TradeWinds reported that the insurer paid $135,000 after an agent failed to arrange pilotage properly, resulting in added costs. Another report in November 2024 cited a $100,000 broker dispute linked to unclear loading terms. Both cases show how unclear instructions can lead to financial loss in maritime operations.
ITIC noted that tighter voyage margins and higher operational expenses continue to pressure shipowners to control costs, which can increase the potential for disputes when instructions are not explicit.
