Introduction Chemical tankers are specialized cargo vessels engineered to transport liquid chemicals in bulk—often hazardous, toxic, or flammable. Their design, operation, and regulatory compliance are governed by strict international standards to ensure safety and environmental protection. What Defines a Chemical Tanker? According to Wärtsilä’s Marine Encyclopedia, chemical tankers are ships built or modified to carry...

In the tanker shipping sector, a precise understanding of laytime is not merely a contractual requirement—it is a critical factor in safeguarding profitability and avoiding costly disputes. Even a minor miscalculation can result in substantial demurrage liabilities, strain commercial relationships, and erode margins. Two key concepts—Reversible Laytime and Average Laytime—are frequently misunderstood. The distinction between...