FAS — Free Alongside Ship

Mode of transport

Sea and inland waterway only

Definition

The seller delivers when the goods are placed alongside the vessel (e.g. on a quay or a barge) nominated by the buyer at the named port of shipment, cleared for export.

Delivery point

Alongside the named vessel at the named port of shipment.

Risk transfer

When the goods are placed alongside the ship.

Seller costs

• Packing and inland carriage to the quay
• Export clearance
• Quay/handling charges up to alongside

Buyer costs

• Loading on board, freight and main carriage
• Insurance
• Import clearance and destination costs

Insurance

No obligation on either party.

Export formalities

Seller's responsibility.

Import formalities

Buyer's responsibility.

Documents

• Commercial invoice, packing list
• Export declaration
• Dock receipt / mate's receipt as proof of delivery

Best use cases

Bulk and break-bulk cargo — ore, grain, steel, project cargo loaded directly from the quay.

Common mistakes

• Using FAS for containers — FCA is correct
• Not aligning the vessel nomination date with the delivery window
• Ignoring quay storage costs if the vessel is delayed

Practical example

FAS Imam Khomeini Port, Incoterms® 2020.