---
title: "Sof"
description: "Statement of Facts."
url: "https://oceancargo.co.uk/shipping-terms/sof"
date: "2026-05-17T07:14:42+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---

![Ocean Cargo](https://oceancargo.co.uk/images/GenPics/OCs-Customs-Brokerage.webp)

 # Statement of Facts (SOF): Your Essential Guide to Shipping Timelines

## Understanding the Statement of Facts (SOF) in Freight Forwarding

In the intricate world of global shipping, precision and clear communication are paramount. Every minute counts, and every delay can have significant financial implications. This is where the **Statement of Facts (SOF)** becomes an indispensable document. For businesses relying on efficient supply chains, understanding the SOF is not just beneficial; it's crucial for managing expectations, resolving disputes, and optimising logistics.

At Ocean Cargo, we believe in demystifying complex shipping processes. The SOF serves as a detailed chronological record of a vessel's port call, meticulously documenting all events from arrival to departure. It's the definitive timeline that underpins many commercial decisions and contractual obligations in [sea freight](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/sea-freight/).

## Why the SOF is Critical for Shippers and Consignees

The Statement of Facts is far more than just a logbook entry; it's a vital commercial and legal document with wide-ranging implications:

- **Demurrage and Despatch Calculations:** The SOF is the primary document used to calculate demurrage (penalties for delays beyond agreed laytime) and despatch (rewards for completing operations ahead of schedule). Accurate SOF records are essential for fair and transparent billing.
- **Dispute Resolution:** In the event of a dispute regarding delays, the SOF provides an objective, timestamped account of events, serving as critical evidence.
- **Performance Monitoring:** Shippers can use SOF data to assess the efficiency of ports, terminals, and carriers, informing future routing and carrier selection decisions.
- **Supply Chain Visibility:** For businesses managing complex supply chains, the SOF offers granular insight into the exact timing of [cargo handling](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/specialised-services/specialised-packaging-handling "cargo handling"), aiding in inventory management and production planning.
- **Insurance Claims:** Should cargo be damaged or lost due to a delay, the SOF can provide crucial context for insurance claims, detailing the timeline of events leading up to the incident.

Ocean Cargo leverages the detailed information within SOFs to provide our clients with accurate costings and transparent communication, ensuring you're always informed about your shipment's progress.

## Key Information Contained Within a Statement of Facts

A typical SOF is a comprehensive document, often several pages long, detailing every significant event during a vessel's stay in port. While formats can vary slightly, the core information remains consistent:

1. **Vessel Details:** Name of the vessel, IMO number, and other identifying information.
2. **Port and Berth Information:** Specific port of call and the berth where the vessel docked.
3. **Arrival and Departure Times:**
    - **NOR Tendered (Notice of Readiness):** The exact time the vessel officially declared its readiness to load or discharge cargo. This is a critical timestamp for laytime calculations.
    - **All Fast:** The time the vessel was securely moored at the berth.
    - **Commencement of Loading/Discharging:** The actual start time of cargo operations.
    - **Completion of Loading/Discharging:** The actual end time of cargo operations.
    - **Lines Away:** The time the vessel cast off from the berth.
    - **Pilot Away:** The time the pilot disembarked, signifying the vessel's departure from port limits.
4. **Cargo Operations:**
    - Quantity of cargo loaded or discharged (often broken down by commodity or container count).
    - Specific hatches or holds used.
    - Details of any cargo damage or discrepancies noted.
5. **Delays and Interruptions:** This is a crucial section, detailing any time lost and the reasons why. Common causes include:
    - Weather delays (rain, fog, high winds).
    - Port congestion or lack of available berth.
    - Equipment breakdowns (cranes, forklifts).
    - Labour disputes or strikes.
    - Customs inspections or documentation issues.
    - Vessel-related issues (engine trouble, maintenance).
    - Shore-side issues (truck availability, warehouse capacity).
6. **Parties Involved:** Signatures and stamps from the Master of the vessel, port agent, and often the stevedores or terminal operator, attesting to the accuracy of the record.

Understanding these elements allows Ocean Cargo to provide accurate [customs compliance](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/customs-compliance/) and transparent communication, especially when shipping to complex destinations like the [UAE](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/uae/sea-freight-uae) or [Canada](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/canada/sea-freight-canada).

## The Role of the SOF in Laytime and Demurrage Calculations

Laytime is the agreed period of time allowed for loading or discharging cargo without incurring demurrage. The SOF is the definitive document for calculating this period. Here's how it works:

### Notice of Readiness (NOR)

The clock for laytime typically starts ticking a certain number of hours after the vessel tenders its NOR, provided it is "arrived" and "ready" in accordance with the charter party terms. The SOF records the exact time the NOR was tendered.

### Counting Laytime

The SOF details all periods of work and non-work. Periods of non-work due to the fault of the vessel or force majeure events (as defined in the charter party) may be excluded from laytime calculations. However, delays caused by the cargo owner or receiver (e.g., late documentation, lack of available trucks) will count against laytime.

### Demurrage and Despatch

If cargo operations extend beyond the agreed laytime, demurrage charges are incurred, calculated based on the rates specified in the charter party. Conversely, if operations are completed ahead of schedule, despatch money may be paid to the charterer. The SOF provides the irrefutable evidence for these calculations.

Ocean Cargo's expertise in managing these timelines helps our clients avoid unnecessary demurrage charges, ensuring cost-effective [road freight](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/road-freight/) and [air freight](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/air-freight/) solutions, even for complex cargo like [wind turbine components to Australia](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/australia/wind-turbine-components-blades-nacelles-tower-sections-australia).

## Who Prepares and Signs the SOF?

The Statement of Facts is typically prepared by the port agent or the terminal operator, who are on-site and have direct oversight of the vessel's activities. It is then presented to the vessel's Master (captain) for review and signature. Often, representatives from the stevedoring company or other relevant parties may also sign to attest to its accuracy.

The multiple signatures underscore the document's importance as a mutually agreed-upon record of events. Any discrepancies or disagreements must be resolved before signing, as a signed SOF is legally binding.

## The SOF in Practice: A Real-World Example

Imagine a shipment of [excavators and diggers to the UAE](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/uae/excavators-diggers-uae). The vessel arrives, tenders NOR, and is scheduled to berth. However, due to unexpected heavy fog, the pilot cannot board for several hours, delaying berthing. Once alongside, a crane breaks down, causing further delays in discharge. Finally, a customs inspection takes longer than anticipated.

Each of these events, with precise timestamps, would be meticulously recorded in the SOF. When the final SOF is issued, it would clearly show the total time spent in port, the time lost due to fog (weather delay), the time lost due to crane breakdown (equipment failure), and the time lost due to customs (official intervention). This detailed breakdown allows all parties to understand exactly why the vessel was in port for a certain duration and who is responsible for any associated costs, such as demurrage.

Ocean Cargo's proactive communication and diligent oversight ensure that such events are managed efficiently, minimising impact on your supply chain.

#### What is the difference between a Statement of Facts (SOF) and a Bill of Lading (BOL)?

The SOF is a chronological record of a vessel's port call, detailing events and timings for laytime and demurrage calculations. A Bill of Lading (BOL) is a legal document issued by a carrier to a shipper, serving as a contract of carriage, a receipt for goods, and a document of title to the cargo. While both are crucial shipping documents, they serve very different purposes.

#### Who is responsible for preparing the SOF?

The port agent or terminal operator typically prepares the Statement of Facts, as they are on-site and have direct access to the operational timings and events. It is then reviewed and signed by the vessel's Master and other relevant parties to confirm its accuracy.

#### Can an SOF be disputed?

Yes, if any party believes the SOF contains inaccuracies, they can dispute it. It's crucial for the vessel's Master to carefully review the SOF before signing. If a dispute arises after signing, it can become more challenging to resolve, often requiring reference to other records or contractual terms. Ocean Cargo advises all parties to ensure accuracy before finalising the document.

#### How does the SOF impact my shipping costs?

The SOF directly impacts shipping costs, particularly through demurrage and despatch. If cargo operations exceed the agreed laytime, demurrage charges will be incurred, increasing your overall cost. Conversely, efficient operations that finish ahead of schedule might result in despatch money, reducing costs. Accurate SOF records are vital for transparent cost management.

### Ready to simplify your global logistics?

Get advice and a quote for your next shipment. Contact the Ocean Cargo team to start shipping.

[Freight Quote](https://oceancargo.co.uk/contact-us)

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