As fast as the vessel can . . . (FAC). The laytime is a period of time that may be calculated by reference to the maximum rate at which the vessel, in full working condition, is capable of cargo operations, that is, of receiving or delivering the cargo.
In this situation, the laytime is not fixed and can be rather uncertain, depending on an opinion of the speed at which the vessel can receive or deliver the cargo. The quantity of laytime depends on the vessel’s capability and will therefore be an obligation on the shipowner, whereas if the description of the rate of cargo operations is simply “with customary despatch”, (“CD”), this is an obligation on the charterer. This latter expression means that the charterer must load and/or discharge the cargo as fast as is possible in the circumstances prevailing at the time of loading or discharging.
