WWWW Shipping Abbreviation

Wibon, Wccon, Wifpon, Wipon

Most Common

In shipping, particularly in the context of charter parties and laytime calculations, WWWW is a well-known abbreviation that stands for a combination of four specific clauses:

* WIBON - Whether In Berth Or Not

* WCCON - Whether Customs Cleared Or Not

* WIFPON - Whether In Free Pratique Or Not

* WIPON - Whether In Port Or Not

These clauses are critical for determining when laytime (the agreed period of time allowed for loading or unloading cargo) commences. When a charter party includes the WWWW clause, it means that the Notice of Readiness (NOR) can be tendered, and laytime can start counting, regardless of the vessel's physical and legal status at the port. This protects the shipowner from delays that are not their fault, such as waiting for a berth, customs clearance, or health authority approval. You might also hear these referred to as "laytime exceptions" or "NOR clauses" in charter party agreements.

The inclusion of WWWW in a contract significantly impacts the financial responsibilities between the shipowner and the charterer, as it specifies who bears the risk of delays before the actual loading or unloading begins. It's a standard shorthand used in the dry bulk and tanker shipping sectors to convey these important contractual terms concisely and efficiently.

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