The operation modes of sea transport mainly include liner transport and charter transport. Liner transport is also called time transport, charter transport is also called tramp transport.
1. Liner transport
Liner shipping refers to a mode of transportation in which the ship makes regular and repeated voyages between a specific route and a designated port in accordance with a predetermined schedule in order to engage in the business of transporting goods and collect freight charges according to a pre-announced schedule. Its service objects are not specific and dispersed many shippers, liner companies have the nature of common carrier.
2. Charter a ship for transportation
Chartering is a method by which a charterer charters a ship to a shipowner for the transport of goods. It is usually applicable to the transport of bulk goods. The relevant routes and ports, the types of goods to be carried and the duration of the voyage shall be confirmed by the shipowner at the request of the charterer. The rights and obligations between the charterer and the shipowner shall be determined by the chartering contract signed by both parties.