Laycan

Laycan is a term used in maritime chartering to designate the window during which a vessel must arrive at the loading port ready to load cargo and be able to commence loading within a defined time frame. The word combines laydays, the period allowed for loading, with cancellation, the option to terminate if the vessel fails to meet the agreed timing.

In a typical time charter, the charter party specifies both laydays and a laycan. Laydays set the period during which loading may begin, while the laycan defines the date range within which the vessel must be in position to load. For example, a contract might specify laydays from May 1 to May 10 and a laycan ending on May 12. If the vessel arrives and is ready to load within the laycan window, loading proceeds according to the charter terms.

If the vessel fails to arrive within the laycan period, the charterer generally has the right to cancel the contract without liability, subject to the specific cancellation clause. Conversely, an arrival within laycan does not automatically guarantee loading; other conditions, such as the vessel’s notice of readiness and port availability, must also be satisfied.

Laycan is distinct from laydays; laydays govern when loading may begin, while laycan sets the deadline for bringing the vessel to a loading position. Terms and remedies related to laycan vary by charter party and applicable shipping law.