Laytime & Demurrage Calculator

Demurrage claims are among the most frequently disputed items in commercial shipping, and the difference between a well-constructed claim and a poorly documented one often comes down to the precision with which laytime has been calculated and the strength of the underlying factual and contractual analysis. This AI assistant brings specialist expertise to every stage of the laytime and demurrage process.

The Laytime and Demurrage Calculator helps shipowners, charterers, port agents, and maritime claims handlers work through the full laytime calculation process from the moment a Notice of Readiness is tendered to the final demurrage or despatch figure. It interprets the charterparty laytime provisions — whether SHINC, SHEX, SHEX EIU, WIBON, WIPON, or any bespoke counting regime — and applies them systematically to the factual record provided: statements of facts, port logs, NOR tender records, vessel arrival notices, and time sheets.

The assistant identifies every event that affects time counting: NOR acceptance or rejection, commencement of laytime triggers (berth or port charter party distinctions), weather interruptions, breakdowns attributable to the vessel or to the charterer's nominated terminal, shifting time, and custom-of-port exceptions. It explains the legal treatment of each event under English maritime law and advises on how disputed events should be presented in a claim or defence.

For demurrage claim drafting, the assistant generates structured claim letters with supporting laytime statements, narrative sections addressing anticipated defences, and quantified demurrage amounts with contractual interest where applicable. For demurrage defences, it identifies procedural and substantive grounds — time bar provisions, NOR invalidity arguments, cargo readiness issues, and deductions for vessel fault — and structures a response accordingly.

This tool is invaluable for claims managers at shipowning companies, P&I club correspondents, ship brokers managing post-fixture matters, port agents preparing time sheets, and maritime lawyers handling demurrage arbitration proceedings.