From refinery to discharge port: how a petroleum cargo moves

A refined petroleum cargo passes through many hands before it reaches the discharge port. The details change from deal to deal, but the sequence is largely the same.

It starts with a clear inquiry

The buyer specifies the product, the volume, the delivery port and the delivery window. Those four points drive everything that follows, including which refinery can supply the cargo and which vessel size makes sense.

Sourcing and the offer

The trading desk identifies suitable supply, checks the counterparties and prepares an offer. Once both sides agree, a contract sets out the product specification, the Incoterm, the price basis and the payment milestones.

Loading and inspection

A vessel is nominated and scheduled at the loading port. Independent inspectors normally measure the quantity and sample the product as it loads. The cargo leaves with its key documents: the bill of lading, a certificate of quality and a certificate of quantity.

Transit and arrival

While the vessel is at sea, operations teams track its progress and prepare the port side: berth planning, customs documents and any required clearances. Delays at this stage are expensive, so early preparation matters.

Discharge and reconciliation

At the discharge port, quality and quantity are checked again and the cargo is discharged under supervision. The final step is reconciliation, where the loaded and discharged figures are compared and any difference is explained.

• Inquiry: product, volume, port and delivery window
• Sourcing, compliance checks and contract
• Loading inspection and shipping documents
• Transit monitoring and port preparation
• Discharge inspection and reconciliation