A laytime is a free time (allotted time) given to the charterer of a vessel for loading or unloading. During the allotted time, the charterer has to load or unload his goods on the available free time written in the charter agreement.
In the event where the free time either lapses or not adhere to, the owner of the vessel will be obliged to pay a demurrage to the port authority where the goods are either being loaded or unloading. In return, the owner of the vessel is compensated by the charterer for not fulfilling the time specified in the agreement.
This is a given time provided to the charterer of a vessel for loading or unloading at the port.
