FAS
Free Alongside Ship
Seller delivers goods alongside the vessel at the port. Sea freight only - designed for bulk and heavy cargo.
Visual Guide - Cost & Risk Transfer
Obligations & Cost Breakdown
Seller Obligations
- Deliver goods alongside vessel at named port
- Clear goods for export
- Provide proof of delivery
Cost Responsibility:
Buyer Obligations
- Arrange and pay for loading onto vessel
- Arrange and pay for sea freight
- Import clearance
Cost Responsibility:
Risk Transfer Point
When goods placed alongside vessel at port
Insurance Requirement
Buyer's responsibility
Real African Trade Examples
Iron Ore: Sierra Leone → China
FAS Pepel PortBulk iron ore from Marampa mine
Bulk mineral cargo loaded alongside vessels using shore cranes. Chinese steel mills charter their own bulk carriers.
FOB Pepel if buyer wants seller to handle loading
Timber Logs: Cameroon → India
FAS Douala PortHardwood logs for the Indian market
Large timber logs are placed alongside vessel for crane loading. Buyer's vessel charter handles the lifting.
FOB Douala if seller has loading equipment
Common African Trade Usage
Used in bulk commodity exports from African ports - iron ore, manganese, timber logs, and other heavy cargo where goods are placed on the quay next to the vessel. Common at ports like Tema, Durban, Mombasa for non-containerized bulk shipments.
Common Mistakes with FAS
Using FAS for Containers
The Mistake: Using FAS when shipping containerized cargo.
The Problem: Containers are delivered to a terminal yard, not alongside a ship. FAS doesn't make sense for container logistics.
The Solution: Use FCA (named container terminal) for all containerized shipments.
Not Specifying Quay Location
The Mistake: Contract says 'FAS Tema Port' without specifying which berth or quay.
The Problem: Large ports have multiple berths. Ambiguity about where exactly goods should be delivered alongside.
The Solution: Specify 'FAS Berth 12, Tema Port, Ghana' or reference the specific terminal operator.
When to Use FAS
Best For
- Bulk cargo shipments
- When buyer has vessel charter arrangements
- Heavy or oversized cargo
Avoid When
- Containerized cargo (use FCA instead)
- When buyer lacks port expertise