Sea Freight Standard Operating Procedure

Sea Freight Standard Operating Procedure

Parties

Client Name:

Carrier / Operator Name:

Effective Date:

Recitals

WHEREAS, Client Name is engaged in the export/import of goods requiring sea freight services, and desires standardized procedures to ensure compliance, safety and performance for shipments moved under Carrier / Operator Name's responsibility; and

WHEREAS, Carrier / Operator Name operates ocean carriage and related logistics services and agrees to adopt and follow the operational processes and controls set forth in this Sea Freight Standard Operating Procedure in connection with the carriage of Client Name's cargo; and

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree that this document establishes the standard operating procedures governing the handling, documentation, carriage, and delivery of sea freight shipments and the commercial and compliance obligations of the parties.

Definitions

For purposes of this Procedure, the following terms have the meanings set forth: "Bill of Lading" means the transport document evidencing carriage; "Hazardous Goods" means cargo classified under applicable international dangerous goods regulations; "Delivery" means discharge and release to the consignee or agent.

Scope of Work

Operational Responsibilities

Shipper Responsibilities: accurate declaration of goods, proper packing, marking and labeling, presentation of lawful export documentation, and disclosure of any hazardous characteristics.

Carrier Responsibilities: furnishing seaworthy space, issuing accurate transport documents, stowage and lashing in accordance with accepted maritime practice, and complying with port and regulatory requirements.

Documentation Checklist

The following documents must accompany each shipment (check all that apply):

Bill of Lading
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods
Export Licenses / Permits (as required)

Containerization, Loading and Stowage

Containers shall be inspected for suitability prior to stuffing. Cargo shall be stowed, secured and dunnaged in accordance with best industry practice and applicable international conventions. Any deviations must be documented and approved by the nominated cargo surveyor or consignee prior to shipment.

Hazardous Goods and Special Cargo

Declaration of any Hazardous Goods is mandatory. Shipper shall provide complete and accurate dangerous goods documentation and pack and mark cargo in compliance with international dangerous goods codes. Carrier reserves the right to refuse carriage of improperly declared or packed hazardous cargo.

Inspection, Quality Assurance and Non-Conformance

Customs Clearance and Regulatory Compliance

Insurance and Liability

Insurance coverage: the parties shall agree the minimum cargo insurance coverage amount prior to shipment. Carrier's liability for loss or damage shall be determined in accordance with applicable conventions and any higher liability expressly accepted in writing.

Performance Metrics (KPIs)

Communication and Reporting

Health, Safety and Environmental Compliance

All operations under this Procedure shall comply with applicable health, safety, and environmental laws and regulations. Any incident, spill, or breach of environmental controls must be reported immediately and remediated according to the parties' emergency response plans.

Confirmation of compliance: I acknowledge and will comply with HSE requirements.

Recordkeeping and Audit Rights

Carrier shall maintain records of shipments, stowage plans, and certificates for the retention period specified above. Client or its designated auditor may conduct operational audits on reasonable notice to verify compliance.

Payment Terms

Term and Termination

This Procedure commences on the Effective Date and continues in effect until terminated as provided below.

Confidentiality

Each party shall hold confidential all commercial and operational information exchanged under this Procedure, except information that is public or required to be disclosed by law. Confidential information shall not be used for any purpose other than performing obligations under this Procedure.

Force Majeure

Neither party shall be liable for delay or failure to perform to the extent caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including acts of God, war, strikes, riots, civil commotion, natural disasters, or governmental actions. The affected party shall notify the other promptly and use reasonable efforts to resume performance.

Governing Law

This Procedure shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of:

Entire Agreement and Amendments

This Procedure, together with any written schedules or appendices executed by the parties, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements. Any amendment must be in writing and signed by authorized representatives of both parties.

Indemnity and Liability

Each party shall indemnify the other for losses arising from its own negligence, willful misconduct, or breach of this Procedure. Liability shall be subject to any limits agreed in writing and to applicable international conventions.

Amendments to Operational Procedures

Acknowledgement

By signing below, the authorized representatives of Client Name and Carrier / Operator Name certify that they have read, understand, and agree to comply with the terms and operational requirements of this Sea Freight Standard Operating Procedure.

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