Atlas Claims InsightsPublished 14 October 2026 · Reviewed 14 October 2026 · 4 min readKey takeaways
- A demurrage claim letter should identify the voyage, the charter clause, the calculation and the documents enclosed.
- Present the claim within the time bar and with every document the clause requires.
- Keep the tone factual and the arithmetic transparent.
- Ask for payment by a clear date and to a stated account.
A demurrage claim letter does not need to be long. It needs to be complete, accurate and sent within the time bar with every document the charter party requires.
A model structure
| Section | What to include |
|---|---|
| Heading | Vessel, voyage, charter party date and parties, load and discharge ports |
| Basis | The laytime, demurrage and time bar clauses relied on |
| Summary | Laytime allowed, time used, time on demurrage, rate and total amount |
| Calculation | A full laytime statement attached, showing every exception |
| Documents | A numbered list of enclosures matching the time bar clause |
| Request | Payment amount, due date and bank details |
Documents commonly required
- Notices of readiness.
- Statements of facts for each port, signed where required.
- Pumping logs or cargo documents where performance is relevant.
- The laytime calculation.
Tone and presentation
- Be factual and concise; let the calculation do the work.
- Use the same times as the statement of facts, or explain any difference.
- Keep proof of when the claim was sent and received.
Free tool: use our demurrage calculator to check the basic arithmetic before you send the claim.
Quick answers
What should a demurrage claim letter include?
The vessel and voyage, the charter clause relied on, the laytime calculation, the amount claimed, the documents enclosed and the payment details.
Can I send a demurrage claim by email?
Usually yes, unless the charter requires a particular method; keep proof of sending and receipt.
Need help with a specific matter? Send us the documents for a free, confidential review, or message us on WhatsApp at any hour on +44 7429 535705. Start a case review.
This guide is general information about the law of England and Wales as at October 2026. It is not legal advice and may not cover your situation. Atlas Claims is not a law firm; for advice on your legal rights or on litigation, consult a qualified solicitor.
