SHEX
Sundays and Holidays Excepted
Meaning
SHEX means Sundays and public holidays do not count as laytime, even if cargo is worked on those days, unless the charter says time used counts.
SHEX explained
Under SHEX the laytime clock stops for Sundays and holidays. Whether hours actually worked on those days count depends on the wording: “SHEX unless used” (SHEXUU) counts the time actually used, while “SHEX even if used” (SHEXEIU) excludes it entirely.
SHEX is common in dry cargo and in some product and chemical trades at ports that genuinely close, but is unusual on crude tankers.
Watch out for
Define what a “holiday” is. Local and national holidays differ, and the charter should say which apply at each port.
Related terms
SHINC
SHINC means laytime keeps running on Sundays and public holidays, so every day counts as laytime unless something else excludes it.
SSHEX
SSHEX means Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays are all excluded from laytime, so only weekdays count unless time used is counted.
Unless used
“Unless used” (UU) means excepted periods count as laytime if cargo is actually worked; “even if used” (EIU) means they never count.
Laytime
Laytime is the time the charterer is allowed, without paying extra, to load and discharge the cargo under a voyage charter.