**Time-Charter Vessels**

In the energy commodities trading sector, time-charter vessels refer to a method of chartering ships where the shipowner leases the vessel to a charterer for a specified period. The charterer has control over where the vessel goes and what it carries, as long as the agreed-upon route is followed and the cargo is lawful. During the time-charter period, the charterer pays for all the voyage costs such as fuel, port charges, and a daily hire rate to the shipowner. Meanwhile, the shipowner is responsible for the vessel’s operating expenses like maintenance, crew, and insurance. The time-charter arrangement allows the charterer flexibility in deploying the vessel according to their trading needs while minimizing the investment required compared to owning a fleet.

The daily hire rate, also known as hire or charter rate, is often subject to market conditions and the specifications of the vessel, including its carrying capacity and fuel efficiency. Commonly, time-charter periods range from a few months to several years, and contracts are detailed, covering aspects such as the delivery and redelivery of the vessel, the charter rate, and the rights and responsibilities of each party.

Time-chartering is a prevalent approach in the energy sector for the transport of commodities like crude oil, natural gas, coal, and refined petroleum products, as it provides traders with the logistical flexibility necessary to navigate the dynamic global markets.

For more information about time-charter vessels, the following resources can be considered:

1. BIMCO (The Baltic and International Maritime Council) – BIMCO is one of the largest international shipping associations representing shipowners and operators. They provide a wealth of information on standard charter party agreements and industry insights, including details on time-charter terms and conditions.
URL: (https://www.bimco.org)

2. The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers – This professional body dedicated to the promotion of professionalism in the international maritime industry offers educational materials, courses, and industry information that provides insight into various types of chartering, including time charters.
URL: (https://www.ics.org.uk)