Maritime glossary · Estimated Time of Departure
ETD
The forecast time at which a vessel is expected to leave a port.
Definition
ETD is the bookend to ETA — the planned departure time from the current port. Like ETA it can be quoted by the master in the AIS broadcast or estimated by the platform based on cargo operations, berthing window, and historical turnaround time. ETD is the trigger for many service workflows — bunker delivery, last-mile logistics, crew change windows.
How Vessel Hunter uses ETD
Vessel Hunter watchlist alerts can fire on ETD too — useful for chandlers and bunker brokers who need to land an order before the ship sails.
Related terms
- ETAEstimated Time of Arrival
The forecast time at which a vessel is expected to arrive at its next port or waypoint.
- Demurrage
A daily fee paid by the charterer to the owner when cargo operations exceed the agreed laytime.
- Laytime
The time agreed in the charter party for cargo loading or discharge — once exceeded, demurrage starts.
The bigger picture
ETD is one piece of the commercial maritime picture Vessel Hunter pulls together for shipyards, port agents, and service providers. Every vessel record bundles AIS, ownership, inspections, dry-dock history, casualty record, classification status, and a verified contact for the operator decision-maker behind the ship — so the team that reaches out first wins the work.
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