Legal Definitions - tramp steamer

A tramp steamer is a type of ship that does not have a set schedule or route. Instead, it travels to different ports based on where it can find cargo to transport. These ships are often used to carry bulk items like oil, grain, coal, steel, iron ore, or lumber. They are usually hired through a charterparty agreement rather than a bill of lading.

• A tramp steamer might pick up a load of coal in one port and then travel to another port to deliver it.
• Another tramp steamer might transport a shipment of lumber from a sawmill to a construction site.

These examples illustrate how a tramp steamer operates. Instead of following a set route, the ship goes where the cargo is needed. This allows for more flexibility in shipping and can be more cost-effective for both the shipper and the receiver.