Glossary term
Alongside
Beside the vessel, within reach of its lifting gear — the delivery point that defines the Incoterms rule FAS.
Goods are alongside when they are placed next to the vessel, on the quay or in a lighter, within reach of the ship’s tackle.
The term matters because it fixes a point of delivery. Under FAS the seller’s obligation ends when the goods are alongside the named vessel, and risk passes there rather than on board.