GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026

Vessel Sharing Agreement

One carrier books cargo space aboard another carrier's vessel – that is the core of a Vessel Sharing Agreement (VSA).

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Last updated: 26 June 2026Published: 27 January 2026

Source: https://www.bimco.org/Knowledge-Center/Glossary/Vessel-Sharing-Agreement

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Definition & Explanation

One carrier books cargo space aboard another carrier's vessel – that is the core of a Vessel Sharing Agreement (VSA). The contract defines how many slots each party receives per sailing, how costs and revenues are split, who holds operational responsibility for the vessel, and what liability rules apply in the event of delays or cancellations. Each carrier markets and prices its own slots independently under its own brand. VSAs are typically used on routes where a single line cannot achieve sufficient load factors, and they frequently serve as the operational backbone within a broader shipping alliance. Unlike an alliance, a VSA is limited to a specific route and generally involves fewer parties.

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Vessel Sharing Agreement

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Related Terms

Shipping Alliance

Bareboat Freight Vessel Lease Agreement

China-Chile FTA – Maximum Share of Raw Materials for Electrical Devices

Slot Charter Agreement

Time Charter Agreement

China–Peru FTA – Value Added Share of Electrical Devices

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