What Is A Statement Of Facts In Shipping?

In voyage chartering, few documents carry as much practical weight as the Statement of Facts (SOF). While it may appear to be a routine port record, the SOF often becomes the foundation on which laytime calculations, demurrage claims, and commercial disputes are decided. Understanding what it is—and why it matters—is essential for anyone dealing with cargo operations, charter parties, or voyage performance.

Below are the key aspects of the Statement of Facts, explained in a structured and practical manner.

A Chronological Record of Port Events

A Statement of Facts is a time-based record that captures all significant events affecting a vessel during her stay at a port. It typically starts from the vessel’s arrival and continues until completion of cargo operations and departure formalities. Each entry is logged with dates and exact times, creating a continuous narrative of what occurred during the port call.

Rather than interpreting events, the SOF focuses on recording them objectively—what happened, when it happened, and how long it lasted.

Who Prepares And Signs The SOF

In practice, the SOF is usually prepared by the vessel’s local port agent, often based on inputs from the master, terminal, and stevedores. Once compiled, it is commonly signed by the master and, where applicable, the charterer’s or terminal’s representative.

While signatures do not always imply agreement with every detail, they do give the document evidentiary value, especially when reviewed alongside other voyage documents.

Typical Events Recorded in a Statement of Facts

Although formats may vary by port or agency, most SOFs include key operational milestones such as:

• Vessel arrival and berthing times 
• Tendering and acceptance of Notice of Readiness 
• Commencement and completion of loading or discharging 
• Interruptions due to weather, strikes, or equipment breakdowns 
• Shifting between berths or holds 
• Completion of cargo operations 

These entries later become crucial when determining which periods count towards laytime and which may be excluded.

Why the SOF matters for laytime and demurrage

Laytime calculations depend entirely on accurate time records. The SOF provides the factual backbone for time sheets used to calculate whether the allowed laytime has been exceeded. In the event of a demurrage claim, it is often the first document examined to verify delays, interruptions, and their causes.

Even minor inaccuracies or vague descriptions in an SOF can shift financial exposure from one party to another.

Common Areas Of Dispute Linked To SOFs

Disputes frequently arise over issues such as whether a delay was weather-related, whether cargo operations were genuinely suspended, or whether a vessel was truly ready when Notice of Readiness was tendered. Since the SOF records these moments, its wording and timestamps can become decisive evidence in negotiations or arbitration.

This is why experienced operators treat the SOF as more than a clerical formality.

Conclusion

A Statement of Facts is not just a port document—it is a commercial and legal record that can influence the outcome of laytime calculations and demurrage claims. For shipowners, charterers, operators, and legal professionals, understanding its structure and implications is essential to managing risk and avoiding disputes.

There are several other closely linked concepts—such as time sheets, Notice of Readiness requirements, and laytime exceptions—that play an equally important role in practice.

These, along with detailed examples and dispute scenarios, are explored further in the ebook Laytime and Demurrage – A Practical Guide for Maritime Professionals.

You might also like to read-

• Understanding Laytime And Demurrage In Shipping
• Top 10 ShipBroking and Chartering Books
• What is the Difference between Lay days and Lay time?
• 7 Important Parties In Shipping

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About Author

Rishabh Srivastava is a Maritime lawyer dealing in Ship arrests, maritime claims and arbitration in India.

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