What is a PDA (Proforma Disbursement Account) in logistics?
Let’s start with the basics. PDA stands for Proforma Disbursement Account. In simple terms, it’s a detailed estimate of all the costs associated with a ship’s visit to a port. Think of it as a preview of the bill that a shipping company or vessel operator can expect to pay for various services and fees during a port call.
The word “proforma” is key here – it means that this is a preliminary document, an educated guess based on typical costs and past experiences. It’s not the final bill, but rather a tool to help everyone involved plan and budget effectively.
Why is a PDA important in the logistics sector?
You might be wondering why we need a PDA in the first place. Can’t we just wait for the actual bill? Well, in the fast-paced world of shipping, preparation is everything.
Here’s why PDAs are so crucial:
- Financial planning: Ship owners and operators need to know in advance how much a port call will cost. This helps them budget accurately and avoid cash flow issues.
- Transparency: A well-prepared PDA provides clarity on expected costs, reducing the likelihood of disputes later on.
- Efficiency: By having a clear picture of costs upfront, port calls can be planned more efficiently, potentially saving time and money.
- Decision making: Sometimes, the costs associated with a particular port might influence routing decisions. A PDA helps in making informed choices.
- Compliance: In some cases, having a PDA is a regulatory requirement, ensuring all parties are on the same page regarding expected expenses.
What does a PDA include?
A comprehensive PDA covers a wide range of potential costs. While the exact items can vary depending on the port, vessel type, and specific circumstances, here are some common elements you’ll find in most PDAs:
- Port dues: These are fees charged by the port authority for the use of the port facilities.
- Pilotage: The cost of hiring a pilot to guide the ship safely into and out of the port.
- Towage: Fees for tug boats that assist in maneuvering the vessel.
- Mooring and unmooring: Costs associated with securing the ship to the dock and releasing it.
- Agency fees: Charges for the services of the local shipping agent who coordinates the port call.
- Customs clearance: Fees related to customs procedures and documentation.
- Cargo handling: Costs for loading, unloading, and storing cargo.
- Waste disposal: Fees for removing garbage and other waste from the ship.
- Fresh water supply: Charges for replenishing the ship's fresh water tanks.
- Bunker fuel: While not always included, some PDAs might estimate fuel costs if bunkering is planned.
- Miscellaneous expenses: A catch-all category for other potential costs specific to the port or vessel.
Which party prepares the PDA?
Typically, the PDA is prepared by the local shipping agent at the port of call. These agents are experts in their specific ports and have in-depth knowledge of local fees, regulations, and typical costs. They work closely with the ship’s operator or owner to understand the vessel’s specific needs and then create a PDA that reflects those requirements.
What is the difference between PDA and FDA?
We’ve mentioned the FDA (Final Disbursement Account) a couple of times now. It’s important to understand how it relates to the PDA:
- PDA (Proforma Disbursement Account): This is the estimate, prepared before the vessel arrives at the port.
- FDA (Final Disbursement Account): This is the actual bill, prepared after the vessel leaves the port, showing the real costs incurred.
The goal is to have the PDA match the FDA as closely as possible. However, there are often differences due to unforeseen circumstances or changes in services required. A skilled agent will strive to make the PDA as accurate as possible to minimize surprises in the FDA.
PDAs in different types of shipping
The content and structure of a Proforma Disbursement Account (PDA) can vary significantly depending on the type of vessel and its specific operational needs. Let’s explore how PDAs differ across various shipping sectors.
Container shipping
PDAs for container vessels often include:
- Container handling fees (loading, unloading, and repositioning)
- Storage costs for containers awaiting pickup or transshipment
- Reefer (refrigerated container) charges, including power supply and monitoring
- Terminal handling charges
- Customs inspection fees for selected containers
Bulk cargo vessels
For ships carrying commodities like grain, coal, or ore, PDAs typically focus on:
- Cargo loading and unloading equipment fees
- Stevedoring costs
- Hold cleaning charges
- Fumigation services (especially for grain cargoes)
- Draft survey fees
- Storage costs at bulk terminals
Tankers
Oil tankers and chemical carriers have specialized needs reflected in their PDAs:
- Fees related to handling hazardous materials
- Charges for specialized loading/unloading equipment (e.g., boom arms)
- Tank cleaning services
- Inert gas system charges
- Vapor recovery system fees
- Oil spill prevention and response readiness charges
Cruise ships
Cruise vessel PDAs are unique, often including:
- Passenger-related fees (e.g., head taxes)
- Berth reservation charges
- Shore excursion coordination fees
- Waste disposal costs (significantly higher due to passenger volume)
- Fresh water supply charges
- Charges for various port services catering to tourists (e.g., shuttle buses)
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vessels
PDAs for RoRo ships carrying vehicles or wheeled cargo will include:
- Specialized ramp usage fees
- Vehicle processing charges
- Lashing and unlashing costs
- Car washing facilities (for exported vehicles)
- Storage fees for vehicles awaiting collection
- Fumigation charges (for agricultural machinery)
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers
LNG tankers have highly specialized requirements reflected in their PDAs:
- Specialized terminal usage fees
- Boil-off gas handling charges
- Cooldown services for cargo tanks
- Nitrogen purging services
- Specialized pilotage and tug services due to vessel characteristics
Offshore support vessels
PDAs for vessels supporting offshore oil and gas operations might include:
- Fees for specialized berths or anchorages
- Charges for crew changes and transportation
- Supplies and provisions loading fees
- Waste oil disposal charges
- Fees for safety and emergency response readiness
Understanding these variations is crucial for accurately interpreting and preparing PDAs across different shipping sectors. Each type of vessel has its unique operational requirements, which directly impact the costs incurred during port calls.
In summary, a Proforma Disbursement Account (PDA) in logistics is a detailed estimate of all costs a ship is expected to incur during its visit to a port, prepared in advance to help with financial planning and transparency.
