Kiev Shipping Ltd has provided ship chartering and maritime brokerage services since 2000, working with cargo owners, traders, manufacturers, shipowners and operators across international freight markets.
With 25+ years of experience, Kiev Shipping Ltd focuses on ship chartering and maritime brokerage for dry bulk, breakbulk and project cargoes. The company works as an independent shipbroker and does not own vessels.
Ship Chartering for Bulk and Breakbulk Cargoes
Ship chartering requires the cargo, vessel, route, ports and commercial terms to be evaluated together.
A complete chartering enquiry should normally include:
- exact cargo description;
- total quantity;
- packing, where applicable;
- loading port;
- discharging port;
- laycan;
- loading rate;
- discharging rate;
- cargo dimensions and individual weights where required;
- draft restrictions;
- port or terminal limitations;
- special cargo requirements.
Accurate information allows the freight market to identify more suitable vessel options and provide more realistic freight indications.
Dry Bulk Cargo
Dry bulk cargoes may include grain, fertilizers, coal, ores, cement, clinker, gypsum, salt and other bulk commodities.
For these shipments, vessel selection may depend on:
- cargo quantity;
- stowage factor;
- vessel deadweight;
- cubic capacity;
- vessel draft;
- hold capacity;
- loading and discharging rates;
- port restrictions.
The vessel should be selected according to the actual cargo requirement rather than freight rate alone.
Breakbulk Cargo
Breakbulk cargo may include:
- steel products;
- machinery;
- industrial equipment;
- bagged cargoes;
- construction materials;
- packaged cargo;
- oversized units.
For breakbulk shipments, vessel suitability may depend on hold dimensions, hatch dimensions, cargo gear, crane capacity, draft and cargo access.
Where heavy or oversized units are involved, dimensions, individual weights and lifting requirements should be checked before fixing.
Vessel Selection
An available vessel is not automatically a suitable vessel.
Important factors may include:
- vessel deadweight;
- cubic capacity;
- hold configuration;
- hatch dimensions;
- cargo gear;
- crane capacity;
- vessel draft;
- loading and discharging arrangements;
- port restrictions;
- vessel position.
A vessel that appears commercially attractive may still create additional costs if it is not properly suited to the cargo or nominated ports.
Freight Market Factors
Freight rates are influenced by current market conditions.
Important factors may include:
- vessel position;
- cargo quantity;
- vessel size;
- route;
- laycan;
- bunker prices;
- port costs;
- canal costs;
- congestion;
- loading and discharging rates;
- seasonal cargo flows;
- availability of suitable tonnage.
Freight indications should therefore be evaluated in the context of a specific cargo requirement and the current freight market.
Charter Party Terms
Before fixing a vessel, the principal commercial terms should be agreed clearly.
These may include:
- freight;
- freight payment;
- laytime;
- demurrage;
- despatch;
- loading responsibilities;
- discharging responsibilities;
- notices;
- cargo documentation;
- commissions;
- charter-party form;
- special operational terms.
Clear fixture terms help reduce the risk of commercial disagreements during voyage execution.
The Role of the Shipbroker
Kiev Shipping Ltd acts as an independent shipbroker between cargo interests and the international freight market.
The company assists with:
- searching for suitable tonnage;
- obtaining freight indications;
- comparing vessel alternatives;
- negotiating freight;
- negotiating commercial terms;
- coordinating fixture negotiations;
- charter-party coordination;
- commercial voyage follow-up.
The broker’s role is to help match the cargo requirement with suitable tonnage and commercially workable transportation terms.
More information about ship chartering services is available on the dedicated Kiev Shipping page.