Transshipment
Transshipment is the transfer of a container from one vessel to another at a hub port before it reaches its destination. Many shipments from Indonesia travel on a feeder vessel to a regional hub and are then moved onto a mother vessel for the long-haul leg. It widens routing options but adds transit time and the risk of the box being rolled to a later vessel. Check whether the letter of credit prohibits transshipment before choosing a service.
Related terms
- Feeder Vessel
A feeder vessel is a small to mid-sized container ship that moves boxes between hub ports and smaller ports.
- Mother Vessel
A mother vessel is a large container ship on a main intercontinental service that calls at hub ports and collects boxes brought in by feeder vessels.
- Port of Discharge (POD)
The port of discharge (POD) is the port where cargo is unloaded from the main vessel, as shown on the B/L.
- Port of Loading (POL)
The port of loading (POL) is the port where cargo is loaded onto the main ocean vessel named on the B/L, for example Tanjung Priok (IDTPP) or Tanjung Perak (IDSUB).
Covered in these guides
How to Choose a Port of Loading: Criteria, Costs and a Worked Comparison
How to choose a port of loading for exports, weighing trucking cost, sailing frequency, direct calls, closing time, depots, congestion, reefer, OOG and customs services.
5 min read PortsMajor Container Ports in Indonesia: List, UN/LOCODEs and Terminals
The main container ports in Indonesia, from Tanjung Priok, Tanjung Perak and Belawan to Makassar, with UN/LOCODEs, key terminals and how hub-and-feeder routing works.
6 min read