Alongside (A/S)
Also known as: alongside, a/s, alongside ship
A condition where a vessel is positioned next to a berth, quay, or another vessel for loading or discharge.
Alongside is a standard operational and contractual term in shipping. It is used to indicate when a ship has reached its working position and is ready for loading or discharge. In charter parties and sale contracts, being alongside can trigger key events such as the start of laytime, transfer of risk, or delivery obligations. It is also commonly used to describe ship-to-ship operations where two vessels are secured side by side.
