Berth Terms (BT)

Under Berth Terms (BT), the vessel must arrive at and be securely alongside the nominated berth before cargo operations and, in most cases, laytime can commence, subject to the charter party terms. Delays caused by berth congestion or the unavailability of the berth generally remain the responsibility allocated under the contract until the vessel reaches the berth. Berth Terms are commonly contrasted with Port Terms, where obligations may begin once the vessel has arrived within the port limits rather than at the berth itself.