Vessels 2 min read
What a port agent does, from NOR to sailing
A walk through a port call at Kandla: the documents, the decisions and the disbursements an owner should expect from their agent.
For an owner or charterer, the port agent is the person on the ground who turns a voyage plan into a smooth port call. Here is what a good agent does at Kandla or Mundra, step by step.
Before the vessel arrives
- Sends a proforma disbursement account so funds can be remitted in time
- Files arrival notices with the port, customs, immigration and port health
- Checks berth prospects, draft and tide windows, and confirms the berthing plan
- Lines up stevedores, surveyors and cargo receivers so work can start on arrival
Arrival and Notice of Readiness
When the vessel arrives and is ready in every respect to load or discharge, the master tenders the Notice of Readiness. The agent records the exact time it was tendered and accepted. Under most charter parties, laytime starts after an agreed turn time following a valid NOR, so these times matter later.
Berthing and cargo operations
Once inward clearance is complete, pilots and tugs bring the vessel alongside. During operations the agent sends daily reports on progress, weather, stoppages and the expected completion, and keeps everyone working to the same plan.
Looking after crew and vessel
Crew changes, medical help, provisions, fresh water, spares and stores are all arranged through the agent. On a husbandry appointment, this is the main job.
Completion, sailing and the paper trail
- Cargo documents are signed and the statement of facts is agreed with the master and cargo interests.
- Port clearance is obtained and the vessel sails.
- The agent sends the final disbursement account with vouchers, reconciled line by line against the proforma.
What to expect from your agent
- A clear proforma with every expected charge and its basis
- Accurate times recorded as events happen, not reconstructed afterwards
- One point of contact who answers around the clock
How Globelink helps
Our agency team returns a PDA within 4 working hours and answers the agency line 24/7 for calls at Kandla and Mundra. Read about our vessel agency service, or plan the cargo side with our stevedoring team.
Talk to our port team
Questions about your own cargo? We will come back with one plan and one quote covering every stage.
