PortDA is real-time Port Charges Calculator created by PortLeads for more than 100 countries globally. It helps you to calculate port charges globally in few seconds for more than 100 countries and serves as a business intelligence tool to generate Ship leads for ship agents, ship chandler, bunker supplier, marine surveyors.Learn More

Port charges, basically called as PDA(Port Disbursement Account) are mandatory charges paid by a vessel to a port authority for using port infrastructure and facilities. These charges vary depending on vessel size, port location, and operational requirements during the vessel’s stay.

A Proforma Disbursement Account (PDA) is an estimated cost breakdown prepared before a vessel arrives. It helps ship owners and operators understand and plan for all expected port-related expenses in advance.

A typical PDA includes port dues, pilotage, towage, berth charges, light dues, and agency fees. These are calculated using a mix of fixed rates and variable charges depending on vessel specifications and services required.

The primary factor in calculating port dues is the vessel’s Gross Tonnage (GT), along with port-specific tariffs, duration of stay, and type of operations performed. Since each port applies different tariff structures, total costs can vary significantly.

A simplified formula:

Port Dues = Vessel Gross Tonnage (GT) × Rate per GT

Additional operational costs are then added to determine the total PDA.

In addition to port dues, vessels incur terminal handling expenses during cargo operations. These costs are essential for loading, unloading, and managing cargo safely and efficiently at the port.

Stevedoring: Charges for loading and unloading cargo from the vessel. This is one of the largest terminal costs and depends on cargo type, volume, and handling complexity.

Forklift / Equipment Charges: Costs for using handling equipment such as forklifts, cranes, and trailers required to move cargo within the terminal.

Tally Services: Fees for counting and verifying cargo during loading and discharge operations to ensure accuracy and prevent discrepancies.

Supervision: Charges for port or terminal supervisors who oversee operations, ensuring safety, compliance, and coordination between vessel and shore teams.

Other Terminal Expenses: These may include storage charges, documentation fees, gate handling, labor costs, and security services depending on port regulations and cargo requirements.

All these terminal handling charges are added to the PDA, making it a complete financial estimate of the vessel’s port call. Proper understanding of these costs helps in better budgeting and smoother port operations.