Alongside refers to the side of a ship for cargo delivery (e.g., Free Alongside Ship).
Alongside is a crucial shipping term defining the specific point of delivery and transfer of risk at a port. It means the cargo has been delivered to the quay or dock next to the ship it is scheduled to be loaded onto.
This term is the foundation of the Incoterm FAS (Free Alongside Ship). When a U.S. seller provides goods on FAS terms, they are responsible for all costs and risks of transporting the cargo to the port of export and placing it on the designated dock, within reach of the ship’s loading crane or tackle.
The moment the cargo is delivered “alongside,” the responsibility and risk of loss or damage transfer from the seller to the buyer. The buyer is then responsible for all subsequent costs, including loading the cargo onto the vessel, the main ocean freight, and import clearance.