# Slot Charter Agreement

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> A slot charter agreement allows a carrier or non-vessel-operating common carrier (NVOCC) to market liner capacity without owning ships: the slot charterer secures a contractually defined number of container slots on an operating carrier's vessel for an agreed number of sailings or a set period, paying a fixed rate per slot per voyage.

A slot charter agreement allows a carrier or non-vessel-operating common carrier (NVOCC) to market liner capacity without owning ships: the slot charterer secures a contractually defined number of container slots on an operating carrier's vessel for an agreed number of sailings or a set period, paying a fixed rate per slot per voyage. The operating carrier retains full command and nautical responsibility for the vessel, while the slot charterer issues its own bills of lading and acts as an independent carrier toward its customers. This distinguishes slot charter from time or voyage charter, where an entire vessel is engaged. The arrangement suits regional carriers and NVOCCs seeking a scheduled service offering without the capital commitment of owning tonnage.

**Source:** [https://www.bimco.org](https://www.bimco.org)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Slot Charter Agreement |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 118 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://www.bimco.org |

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