Notice of Readiness (NOR)
The formal notice that a ship has arrived and is ready to load or discharge, which starts the laytime clock.
- Category
- Cargo and Operations
- Abbreviation
- NOR
- Last reviewed
How it works
A Notice of Readiness (NOR) is tendered by the master once the vessel has arrived at the agreed point, is physically and legally ready to work cargo, and meets any conditions in the charter party. A valid NOR is the trigger that begins laytime counting (after any agreed notice/turn time).
Whether and when a NOR is valid, for instance if the ship is at anchor waiting for a berth, is a frequent point of contention in laytime and demurrage disputes.
Where it shows up on The Maritime
Also known as: NOR, tender NOR.
Related terms
Laytime
The time allowed under the charter party for the charterer to load and discharge the cargo without extra payment.
Demurrage
A daily penalty the charterer pays the owner for using more than the agreed laytime to load or discharge.
Laycan
The window of dates within which a ship must arrive and be ready to load, or the charterer may cancel.
More cargo and operations terms
A plain-English reference definition: our own explanation of a standard shipping concept, not a licensed source or legal advice. See the full glossary or the broader maritime dictionary.
Last reviewed: .