Yes. FAS is for sea or inland waterway transport. For containers or multimodal, FCA is usually better.

Who handles export clearance under FAS?

The seller clears the goods for export. EXW is the main rule where the buyer would clear export.

What’s the difference between FAS and FOB?

Under FAS, delivery/risk is alongside the vessel. Under FOB, the seller loads on board and risk transfers when on board.

Does FAS include insurance?

No. Insurance is optional and typically arranged by the buyer. If the seller should insure under a sea rule, use CIF.

Is FAS suitable for containers?

Generally no. Use FCA for containerised shipments where handover occurs at the terminal/first carrier.

FAS (Free Alongside Ship) | Sea Only, Risk Alongside, Who Pays What

Q: What does FAS mean?

Free Alongside Ship means the seller delivers the goods alongside the vessel at the named port of shipment. Risk transfers to the buyer once the goods are alongside the ship’s rail or quay.

Last updated: 18 August 2025

What is FAS?

FAS (Free Alongside Ship) is a sea-only Incoterm. The seller clears the goods for export and delivers them alongside the vessel at the named port of shipment. Risk transfers to the buyer at that point. Loading on board, ocean freight and insurance are for the buyer.

Risk and responsibility

Task	Party	Notes
Export packing & documentation	Seller	Commercial Invoice, Packing List etc.
Export clearance at origin	Seller	Seller files export declaration
Delivery alongside vessel (risk point)	Seller → Buyer (risk)	Risk transfers when goods are alongside at named port
Loading on board, ocean freight & insurance	Buyer	Buyer arranges loading, freight and any insurance
Destination charges, import & delivery	Buyer	THC/port fees (where applicable), import, duties/taxes, onward delivery

When to use FAS

Bulk, breakbulk or project cargo delivered to a quay or barge where the buyer controls loading.
Ports where operationally the seller cannot load on board (then FAS, not FOB).

Notes & alternatives

For seller loading on board, use FOB.
For seller paying ocean freight, see CFR or CIF (with insurance).
For containers or multimodal, use FCA.
Road paperwork for international legs may use CMR.

How Clintopia helps

We manage quay deliveries, port bookings and export entries under FAS. For ocean routing and vessel coordination, see Sea Freight. For tariff codes and export declarations, see Customs Clearance. For UK port moves and special equipment, see Container Haulage.

Sea only — seller delivers alongside the vessel at the port of shipment

FAS (Free Alongside Ship)

FAS (Free Alongside Ship)

What is FAS?

Risk and responsibility

When to use FAS

Notes & alternatives

How Clintopia helps

Related terms

Need to talk to a logistics expert?

FAS — FAQs