In a Voyage Charter, who has full operational control, maintenance, and insurance?

• A. Owner
• B. Charterer
• C. Both parties jointly
• D. Bank

Answer: (A)

In a voyage charter, the ship’s owner retains full control of the vessel’s operation. The master and crew are provided by the owner and stay under the owner’s authority, and the owner is responsible for maintenance and for hull and machinery insurance (often along with the share of P&I). The charterer hires the vessel for a specific voyage and handles the cargo—its loading, carriage, and discharge, as well as related costs—but does not manage day-to-day ship operations or the vessel’s seaworthiness. The charterer pays freight and bears cargo-related costs, while the owner manages navigation decisions, crewing, and the vessel’s upkeep and protections.