Hamnstopps

Hamnstopps is a maritime logistics term describing a scheduled stop by a ship at a harbour for cargo handling, supplies, crew changes, or other port services. The word combines the Swedish hamn (harbour) and stopp (stop). While commonly used in Nordic shipping circles, the concept is widely understood in international practice under terms such as port of call or call at a port. In practice, a hamnstopps is planned as part of a voyage and is executed within a berthing window that accommodates pilotage, tugs, crane capacity, and terminal operations.

During a hamnstopps, vessels may load and discharge containers or bulk cargo, undergo refueling or replenishment, receive spare parts, undergo inspections, and complete customs or health and safety formalities. Crew changes and routine maintenance can also occur during the stop. The duration of a hamnstopps depends on cargo volume, port efficiency, and the vessel’s onward timetable, and it can range from a few hours to several days.

Port authorities, terminal operators, and shipping lines coordinate ETA, berth planning, and port dues to minimize dwell time and maintain schedule integrity. External factors such as weather, port congestion, and regulatory checks may cause delays. Accurate planning and communication are essential to optimize a hamnstopps within a liner service or multimodal itinerary.

See also: port of call, bunkering, pilotage, laycan.