Convenient speed

The stipulation in a voyage charterparty that the vessel, after completion of loading, shall proceed with all possible speed to port of destination, is usually changed into “with all convenient speed” or “with all reasonable speed” The latter expression eliminates any controversy, which may arise about the speed actually maintained on the voyage.

Another consideration in favour of changing “with all possible speed” into “with all convenient speed” is the saving of fuel costs by operating at reduced speed. If the charterparty provides for “proceed with all possible speed”, shipowners should first obtain the charterer’s permission, before instructing the master to proceed at less than the normal speed. Otherwise, there could be a dispute over breach of contract. It will mainly depend upon the state of the freight market whether a shipowner prefers to operate his vessel at

reduced speed or not.