(a) Explanation of delivery term."F.o.b. vessel, port shipment" means free of expense to the Government loaded, stowed, and trimmed on board the ocean vessel at the specified port of shipment.

(b) Contractor responsibilities. The contractor shall-

1. (1)

   1. (i) Pack and mark the shipment to comply with contract specifications; or

   2. (ii) In the absence of specifications, prepare the shipment for ocean transportation in conformance with carrier requirements to protect the goods and to ensure assessment of the lowest applicable transportation charge;

2. (2)

   1. (i) Deliver the shipment on board the ocean vessel in good order and condition on the date or within the period fixed; and

   2. (ii) Pay and bear all charges incurred in placing the shipment actually on board;

3. (3) Provide a clean ship’s receipt or on-board ocean bill of lading;

4. (4) Be responsible for any loss of and/or damage to the goods occurring before delivery of the shipment on board the ocean vessel; and

5. (5) At the Government’s request and expense, assist in obtaining the documents required for-

   1. (i) Exportation; or

   2. (ii) Importation at destination.

(c) Contract clause. The contracting officer shall insert in solicitations and contracts the clause at 52.247-37, F.o.b. Vessel, Port of Shipment, when the delivery term is f.o.b. vessel, port of shipment.