A supercargo is a commercial officer employed by the cargo owner or charterer who sails with the vessel to manage the freight. While the captain commands the ship and crew, the supercargo handles the business side, including loading, stowage plans, and customs paperwork. Historic supercargoes often sold the goods at port, but the role focuses on ensuring specialized or high-value cargo is handled correctly without delaying the ship.
Heard on the job
The charterer is sending a supercargo with us to keep an eye on the heavy-lift discharge in Rotterdam.
Insider tip
The captain always has final say on ship safety, but the supercargo dictates the commercial decisions regarding the freight.