A Real Fixture Case: Weather, Timing, and False Assumptions

This is a real fixture case from our practice.

A vessel was fixed on a voyage charter, but due to adverse weather conditions, the ship was delayed and was clearly going to miss the cancelling date. The trader became nervous: the buyer was not willing to confirm an extension. In reality, the market had already moved down, and the buyer simply had no incentive to cooperate.

Because of the weather situation, most vessels were physically unable to reach the loading port in time. According to AIS data, only two vessels were realistically close enough to make the laycan.

We investigated one of them. The shipowner’s structure looked unclear, management details were vague, and relying on them directly was time-wasting. Instead, we traced the vessel through its last port of call, identified the local agents, and obtained the operator’s details (the agent acted according to good practice and requested the operator’s permission to share the contact details).

That decision turned out to be critical.

The vessel was actually under time charter to another trader and was expected to receive a voyage nomination. However, that trader failed to sell the cargo because the market had already gone down. As a result, the vessel became available, although the managers were not planning to fix her for external cargo at all.

We fixed this vessel.

This was not luck; it was an algorithm using the available information at the moment. We have been working with these counterparties for more than 10 years since that fixture and have supported each other many times.

This exact decision-making logic — vessel reachability, AIS reality check, and operator identification — is embedded in SmartChart. It is based on real experience that has saved fixtures more than once.

What this case demonstrates clearly:

Do not rely on verbal assurances that a vessel “will make it”

Always check whether a vessel can realistically reach the load port on time

Consider whether changing parcel size or vessel type makes more sense

Adjust dates early instead of waiting for the cancelling point

Weather impact analysis must be part of the decision (full integration is coming)

SmartChart applies this logic across many tasks, helping you decide whether a fixture is realistic, to save time and money.

We wish you happy and smooth fixtures.