Incoterms 2020
FAS, Free Alongside Ship
The seller delivers the goods on the quay alongside the nominated vessel. Loading is the buyer’s cost and risk from that point.
- Group
- F
- Mode
- Sea and inland waterway only
FAS is a specialised rule for cargo that is loaded directly onto a vessel rather than packed into a container. The seller brings the goods to the quay next to the ship the buyer has nominated, clears them for export, and stops there. Everything from lifting the cargo aboard onward belongs to the buyer.
It makes sense for bulk commodities, heavy project pieces and breakbulk where loading is a distinct and significant operation. It makes no sense at all for containerised cargo, which is handed to a terminal days before the vessel arrives and is never actually alongside anything.
The seller is responsible for
- Deliver the goods alongside the nominated vessel at the named port
- Clear the goods for export
- Provide proof of delivery and the commercial documents
The buyer is responsible for
- Nominate the vessel and give the seller adequate notice
- Pay loading costs and the ocean freight
- Bear all risk from the moment the goods are alongside
- Handle import clearance, duty and taxes
Risk transfers
When the goods are placed alongside the vessel at the named port.
Costs transfer
At the same point, with export clearance already handled by the seller.
Best used for
Bulk, breakbulk and heavy lift cargo loaded directly aboard a vessel.
Watch out for
Never use FAS for containers. The goods go to a terminal, not alongside a ship, so the delivery point is fictional. Use FCA.
Related services
Tell us what you need to move.
Send the supplier city or port of loading, the volume and weight, and the date the goods are ready. We will come back with a landed cost and a realistic transit time, usually within one working day.