In chartering, a broker acting as an agent for their principals is which type of agent?

• A. Special Agent
• B. General Agent
• C. Universal Agent
• D. Sub-Agent

Answer: (A)

In chartering, the broker who represents the shipowner or charterer for a single charter deal is acting as a special agent. That means their authority is limited to that specific transaction—negotiating terms, presenting offers, and facilitating the charter within the scope of that deal. They don’t have broad authority to handle all of the principal’s business (that would be a general agent) or to act in all matters of the principal’s affairs (a universal agent). A sub-agent is someone the broker hires to assist, but the main relationship is still between the principal and the broker for that particular charter. So, for this single charter transaction, the broker fits the role of a special agent.