February 10, 2025
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Laytime calculations may not grab headlines, but anyone in chartering, ship operations, or commodity trading knows how critical they are.
Get them right, and everything runs smoothly—vessels turn around faster, costs stay under control, and disputes are minimal. Get them wrong, and you’re looking at expensive demurrage charges, frustrated stakeholders, and operational chaos.
For decades, laytime calculations were a painstaking, manual process—handled with paper logs, handwritten notes, and endless back-and-forth negotiations. Then came spreadsheets, which improved things but still left room for errors, misinterpretations, and inefficiencies.
Now, we’re in the digital era, where software solutions can automate, standardize, and optimize laytime calculations like never before.
But how did we get here? And why is digitizing laytime management not just an option, but a necessity?
Let’s take a journey through the evolution of laytime calculations—from paper and spreadsheets to real-time, AI-powered automation.
Before Excel spreadsheets and cloud-based software, laytime calculations were done entirely by hand. Statements of Facts (SOF) were recorded manually, logging vessel arrivals, cargo operations, stoppages, and delays. Port agents and operators had to cross-check logs, calculate laytime allowances, and manually account for contract clauses like weather interruptions or working day definitions. If there was a dispute? It often boiled down to stacks of paper, conflicting interpretations, and endless arbitration discussions.
ㄨ Disputes were common – without standardization, each party interpreted clauses differently.
ㄨ Errors were inevitable – a small mistake in manual calculations could lead to huge financial consequences.
ㄨ Time was wasted – complex calculations often took days or even weeks, delaying payments and final settlements.
For years, this was just how things were done—until technology began changing the game.
By the 1980s and 1990s, computers started making their way into shipping offices, and Excel became the go-to tool for laytime calculations.
For the first time, charterers and port agents could:
✔ Automate basic calculations with formulas instead of manual arithmetic.
✔ Keep digital records, reducing reliance on paper logs.
✔ Standardize laytime sheets, making reporting more structured.
ㄨ Still prone to human error – one wrong formula or data entry mistake, and the entire laytime calculation could be off.
ㄨ No real-time collaboration – teams still had to email multiple versions of the same file back and forth, leading to confusion.
ㄨ Lack of integration – spreadsheets couldn’t pull data from vessel tracking systems, port databases, or charter party agreements—meaning everything still had to be entered manually.
It was better than pen and paper, but spreadsheets weren’t built for the complexity of modern laytime management. And as global shipping volumes grew, so did the need for a smarter, faster, and more reliable solution.
Fast-forward to today, and the maritime industry is embracing digital solutions like never before. Automated laytime calculation software has changed the way shipping companies manage contracts, track vessel operations, and calculate costs.
✔ Real-time data integration – systems like Enqlare Laytime pull in data from vessel tracking, Statements of Facts, and charter party terms automatically.
✔ Faster, more accurate calculations – instead of taking days, laytime calculations can now be completed in minutes.
✔ Seamless collaboration – cloud-based platforms allow shipowners, charterers, and agents to access the same data at the same time—no more version control issues.
✔ Advanced analytics & AI – modern laytime software can analyze trends, predict delays, and optimize laytime allowances, helping companies make smarter decisions.
✔ Fewer disputes – with standardized, transparent calculations, there’s less room for misinterpretation.
✔ Lower costs – reducing demurrage exposure and optimizing vessel turnaround times improves profitability.
✔ Scalability – digital tools handle multiple voyages, ports, and charter contracts seamlessly, making them ideal for growing fleets.
Simply put: the future of laytime calculation is digital—and companies that don’t adapt will find themselves at a competitive disadvantage.
So what’s next?
As technology continues to advance, laytime calculations will become even more automated and predictive.
✔ AI-driven forecasting – machine learning will predict potential laytime delays based on port congestion, weather conditions, and historical data.
✔ Smart contracts – digital contracts will allow for automated, tamper-proof laytime settlements, reducing the risk of disputes.
✔ Full system integration – laytime software will seamlessly connect with ERP, accounting, and operational systems, making it part of a fully connected shipping ecosystem.
The goal? Efficient negotiations, real-time visibility, and effortless laytime management.
The evolution of laytime calculations reflects the broader digital transformation happening across the shipping and maritime industry. From paper logs and handwritten SOFs to Excel spreadsheets and now fully automated, cloud-based laytime management, the shift toward digitalization is no longer optional—it’s essential. Companies that embrace digital laytime solutions like Enqlare Laytime aren’t just saving time and reducing errors—they’re future-proofing their operations for a rapidly evolving industry.
Where does your company stand in this evolution? If you’re still using spreadsheets, it may be time to rethink your approach.
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