Notice of readiness (NOR) in shipping explained
The notice of readiness is a short message with a large financial effect. It tells the charterer that the ship has arrived and is ready to load or discharge, and on most voyage charters laytime cannot start without it.
What a notice of readiness is
A notice of readiness (NOR) is a written notice from the master, or the agent on the master's behalf, to the charterer or their representative, stating that the vessel has arrived at the agreed place and is ready in all respects to load or discharge. The charter party states how, where and when it may be given.
The three conditions for a valid NOR
- The ship has arrived at the place the charter requires (port or berth)
- The ship is ready in all respects: holds clean, gear working, documents in order
- NOR is tendered in the way and at the times the charter allows
Port charter or berth charter
Under a berth charter the ship has only arrived when it is at the berth, so waiting time outside is for the owner's account unless the charter moves that risk. Under a port charter the ship arrives once it is within the port, at the usual waiting place, and at the charterer's disposal. Clauses shift this risk explicitly:
| Clause | Meaning |
|---|---|
| WIBON | Whether in berth or not |
| WIPON | Whether in port or not |
| WIFPON | Whether in free pratique or not |
| WCCON | Whether customs cleared or not |
What 'ready in all respects' covers
The ship must be physically and legally ready: holds clean and dry for the cargo (often confirmed by a hold inspection for grain), gear and hatches working, and port formalities complete unless the charter says otherwise. If the ship fails a hold inspection, the NOR tendered before it may be invalid, and laytime may only start once the holds pass and a fresh NOR is given.
If the NOR is invalid
An invalid NOR generally does not start laytime, even if the ship later becomes ready, unless it is re-tendered or the charterer waives the defect, for example by starting cargo operations without reservation. Many owners protect themselves by re-tendering NOR whenever there is any doubt, and many charters now state that laytime will count from commencement of loading if no valid NOR was given before.
Practical checklist for owners and charterers
- Check the NOR clause and office hours before arrival
- Record the time and method of tender
- Re-tender if readiness is in doubt
- Charterers: accept 'subject to' the charter terms, and note any defects
- Keep the NOR with the statement of facts for the laytime calculation
Frequently asked questions
- Who tenders the notice of readiness?
- The master, or the ship's agent on the master's behalf, tenders it to the charterer or the party named in the charter, such as the shipper or receiver.
- Does laytime start when NOR is tendered?
- Usually not immediately. Most charters add a notice period, for example laytime counts 12 hours after a valid NOR is tendered.
- What does WIBON mean?
- Whether in berth or not: NOR may be tendered on arrival at the port even if no berth is available.