How to read a PDA: proforma disbursement accounts explained

A proforma disbursement account, or PDA, is the port agent's estimate of what a port call will cost. Owners and charterers use it to remit funds before arrival. Knowing how to read one helps you spot surprises before they reach the final account.

What a PDA usually includes

• Port dues based on the vessel's size and the type of call
• Pilotage and towage for berthing, shifting and sailing
• Berth hire for the expected time alongside
• Light dues and other statutory charges
• Launch hire and transport for boarding officials and crew
• Agency fee for the agent's own work

Read the assumptions

Every PDA rests on assumptions: days alongside, number of shifts, number of tugs, overtime and the cargo quantity. If the assumptions are wrong, the final bill will be too. A good PDA states them clearly so you can challenge them before the call.

Proforma versus final

After sailing, the agent sends the final disbursement account, or FDA, with vouchers for each charge. It should be reconciled against the PDA line by line. Differences are normal when the call changes, but each one should have a reason.

Common causes of differences

1. Extra days alongside because of weather, cargo or receivers
2. Additional shifting between berths or to anchorage
3. More tugs than planned, often for weather or draft reasons
4. Overtime for work outside normal hours

Questions worth asking

• Which charges are fixed tariffs and which are estimates?
• What would change if the vessel spends one more day alongside?
• Are any charges paid on the owner's behalf that are recoverable from charterers?

How Globelink helps

Our agency team returns a PDA within 4 working hours, lists every charge with its basis, and reconciles the FDA line by line with vouchers attached. Read about our vessel agency service or plan a fixture with our chartering desk.