In the maritime and shipping industry, post-fixture operations span the critical window after a charter party contract (the fixture) is finalized until the voyage is fully completed, all accounts are settled, and the file is closed.
While shipbrokers close the deals, Post-Fixture Operations Management Companies act as the engine room that executes them. They bridge the gap between commercial agreements and everyday maritime reality to maximize profitability, manage risks, and ensure contract compliance.
Following core services we offered to our clients
Once a ship is fixed, the management company takes over 24/7 technical and commercial tracking to ensure a smooth voyage.
- Voyage Instructions & Routing: Translating complex charter party (CP) terms into clear, actionable operational instructions for the Vessel’s Master.
- Vessel Monitoring & ETA Tracking: Continuously tracking the ship’s position, speed, and fuel consumption. They ensure that mandatory Notices of Readiness (NOR) and Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) updates are strictly sent to port authorities, shippers, and receivers according to contract deadlines.
- Bunker Management: Coordinating fuel supply (bunkering), evaluating bunker suppliers, checking bunker invoices, and keeping an eye on Remaining on Board (ROB) fuel levels.
- Agent Appointment & Liaison: Selecting, appointing, and maintaining constant contact with port agents at both loading and discharge ports to ensure efficient port turnarounds.
Shipping involves complex, fast-moving financial transactions. Post-fixture operators manage cash flow to prevent revenue leaks.
- Freight and Hire Calculations: Calculating and issuing invoices for freight (for voyage charters) or hire statements (for time charters) on behalf of shipowners.
- Disbursement Account (D/A) Management: Reviewing pro-forma D/As from port agents, arranging advance payments, and meticulously auditing final D/As to ensure port expenses are accurate and not overcharged.
- Collection of Monies: Tracking and chasing down outstanding freight, hire payments, and other ballast bonuses or revenues.
Time is quite literally money in shipping. Delays at port are a major source of financial disputes, making this one of the most critical services offered.
- Statement of Facts (SoF) Analysis: Meticulously reviewing port logs and Statements of Facts to account for every minute spent by the vessel at the berth.
- Laytime Calculations: Calculating exactly how much time was allowed for loading/discharging versus how much time was actually used.
- Demurrage & Despatch Claims: Processing and negotiating demurrage claims (fees paid by the charterer for delaying the ship) or despatch claims (rebates given to the charterer for fast loading/discharging) to minimize financial losses.
When issues arise—whether due to bad weather, cargo damage, or contract breaches—the post-fixture team steps in to protect the client's interests.
- Contractual Dispute Resolution: Resolving disagreements between shipowners and charterers regarding the interpretation of charter party clauses.
- Off-Hire Calculations: Determining if a vessel went "off-hire" (e.g., due to a mechanical breakdown or crew issue) and calculating the exact financial deductions required.
- Cargo and Maritime Claims: Documenting and processing claims related to cargo damage, short-shipments, or port delays, often coordinating with P&I Clubs (Protection and Indemnity) and legal teams.
Once the cargo is delivered and the voyage ends, these companies provide deep-dive insights to help owners optimize future fixtures.
- Voyage Results Analysis: Comparing the actual financial performance of the voyage against the initial pre-fixture estimates to measure true profitability.
- Vessel Performance Evaluation: Analyzing if the ship met its speed and consumption warranties, highlighting any underlying technical or operational inefficiencies (like hull fouling).
