Notice of Readiness (NOR)

A notice of readiness, or NOR, is the written message from the ship that it has arrived and is ready to load or discharge. It is the usual start of laytime.

What it says

The master or the ship's agent tells the charterer or the receivers that the ship has arrived at the agreed place and is ready in all respects to load or discharge the cargo.

Why it matters

The laytime normally starts a set number of hours after a valid notice. If the notice is invalid, for example because the ship is not yet ready or is not at the agreed place, the start of laytime can be disputed, and with it any demurrage.

Where the ship may give it

Voyage charters often say whether the notice can be given when the ship is at the port, or only in the berth. A common wording is "whether in berth or not" (WIBON). The charter party decides.

The ship must also arrive within the laycan. For the whole contract see voyage charter.

What makes a notice valid

The ship must have arrived at the place named in the charter party, must be ready in all respects to load or discharge, and the notice must be given in the way and in the time the charter party requires, often by email to the charterer or the agent and within office hours. A notice given too early, or before the ship is truly ready, can be rejected, and the time then starts only when a new valid notice is given or the cargo operations begin, depending on the wording and the law that applies.

Steps for the ship operator

Arrive within the laycan. Check that holds are clean and documents are ready. Send the notice as the charter party requires and keep the proof of sending. Ask the charterer or the agent to sign the receipt, and note the time in the statement of facts.

Steps for the charterer

Check the notice against the charter party before you accept it. If you think it is invalid, say so in writing at once, and do not stay silent, because silence can later be read as acceptance. Keep your own record of the times.

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