The 60-second version
Vessel charterer liability insurance covers legal liability as charterer for vessel damage, bunkers, pollution, and third-party injury — returning NRIs time-chartering coastal feeders need it before first fixture.
P&I covers owner — charterer liability fills your fixture exposure as time-charterer
Vessel charterer liability insurance responds when you as charterer are liable for hull damage, bunkers, pollution, or injury under charter party.
Returning NRIs fixing coastal feeders on time-charter need charterer layer beyond ship-agency and forwarder policies.
Charter party lane: charter party guide for CP clause liability.
Charterer stack
| Policy | Covers | Does not cover |
|---|---|---|
| Charterer liability | Hull / bunker / pollution | Cargo loss |
| Charter party | CP clause breach | Owner P&I subrogation |
| Ship agency | Port agency | Charter fixture |
| Marine pollution | Spill cleanup | Charterer bunker spill |
Purchase flow
Charter type
Time vs voyage.
Vessel class
Coastal / foreign-going.
Get quotes
3+ insurers.
Bind policy
Before fixture.
CP review
Bunker + damage clause.
Stack
Charterer kit
- Charter party.
- Policy schedule.
- Bunker delivery note.
- Claim hotline.
- P&I club contact.
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Bunker spill
Charterer may be liable for bunker pollution even when owner holds P&I — verify spill extension in charterer policy.
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Turn this guide into a decision file
0 of 4 checked
vs charter party?
Charter party covers CP clause liability; charterer liability covers broader fixture exposure.
vs ship agency?
Agency covers port calls; charterer covers vessel hire contract.
GST?
18% GST on marine liability insurance premium.
Claim?
Preserve charter party, bunker ROB survey, and owner damage notice within policy timeline.
Coastal?
Coastal Regulatory Zone clearance may affect pollution sub-limit — declare route.
Limit?
Match hull value and bunker spill cap to typical fixture size.
You've done the research. Now get the plan.
The biggest mistake NRIs make is treating insurance as something they'll figure out later. Later is expensive. Get expert clarity now.