demurrage

[ dih-mur-ij ]

noun

, Commerce.

1. the detention in port of a vessel by the shipowner, as in loading or unloading, beyond the time allowed or agreed upon.
2. the similar undue detention of a railroad car, truck, etc.
3. a charge for such undue detention.

demurrage

/ dɪˈmʌrɪdʒ /

noun

1. the delaying of a ship, railway wagon, etc, caused by the charterer's failure to load, unload, etc, before the time of scheduled departure
2. the extra charge required as compensation for such delay
3. a fee charged by the Bank of England for changing bullion into notes

Word History and Origins

Origin of demurrage¹

First recorded in 1635–45; demur + -age

Word History and Origins

Origin of demurrage¹

C17: from Old French demorage, demourage; see demur

Example Sentences

But the chairman smells foul play in the fees that ocean carriers levy on American importers — so-called detention and demurrage charges for containers that sit uncollected or go unreturned, even when truck drivers are denied access to ports; congestion surcharges; and fees for “premium” and even “superpremium” services.

From New York Times

The Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 requires ocean carriers to certify that late fees — known as “demurrage and detention” charges — comply with federal regulations.

From Seattle Times

After a container sits at the terminal for a certain number of days, shipping companies begin charging end customers a rental fee for using their box, a charge called demurrage in the industry.

From Los Angeles Times

Port of Vancouver said it expects vessels to anchor longer while they await delayed cargo, a situation that usually results in shippers paying demurrage for the extra wait.

From Reuters

The White House in a competition executive order issued July this year encouraged the commission to “vigorously enforce the prohibition of unjust and unreasonable practices in the context of detention and demurrage.”

From Reuters