Incoterms 2020 · Delivery alongside the vessel
FAS — Free Alongside Ship
The seller delivers the goods alongside the vessel at the named port; the buyer loads and pays the main carriage.
Key facts
| Risk passes | When the goods are placed alongside the vessel at the named port |
|---|---|
| Export clearance | Seller |
| Import clearance and duty | Buyer |
| Main carriage | Buyer |
| Insurance | Neither party is obliged |
| Loading | Buyer |
| Best for | Bulk and break-bulk cargo where the buyer controls the vessel |
| Source | ICC Incoterms 2020, FAS |
FAS is for conventional sea cargo, not containers
FAS assumes the goods can be placed alongside a vessel and loaded by the buyer. That fits bulk, project and break-bulk cargo at a berth. Containerized cargo is normally handed to a terminal or carrier before loading, which is an FCA delivery, not FAS.
The named port matters. If the seller cannot reach the berth or the terminal refuses the delivery, the risk point is not reached. Check access and charges before quoting FAS.
FAS versus FOB
FAS passes risk alongside the ship; FOB passes risk once the goods are on board. The gap is the loading operation and the risk during it. FOB is the more common choice for containerized exports even though the name says ship, because the carrier takes control at the terminal.
Use FAS when the buyer genuinely controls stowage and loading, and FOB when the seller's delivery ends on board.
Frequently asked questions
Who loads under FAS?
The buyer. The seller's delivery is complete when the goods are alongside the vessel.
Can FAS be used for containers?
It can be written, but it fits poorly. Container handover usually happens at a terminal, which is FCA or FOB territory.
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