Shifting
Meaning
Shifting is moving the ship from anchorage to berth or between berths; under most tanker charters the shifting time does not count as laytime.
Shifting explained
The voyage from anchorage to the berth is treated as part of the approach voyage, so it is excluded from laytime and from demurrage even when the ship has already been waiting. Shifting between berths at the charterer's request is often for the charterer's account, with the time counting.
Who pays for shifting costs such as pilots, tugs and extra bunkers is a separate question that the charter or recap should answer.
Related terms
All fast
All fast is the moment the ship is securely moored at the berth, the last mooring line made fast, often used as a trigger for laytime.
Laytime
Laytime is the time the charterer is allowed, without paying extra, to load and discharge the cargo under a voyage charter.
Demurrage
Demurrage is the agreed daily amount the charterer pays the owner for every day the ship is kept in port beyond the laytime allowed.