A written agreement for hiring a ship for transporting goods is a?

A written agreement for hiring a ship for transporting goods is known as a "charter party". It is a contract between a shipowner and a charterer, where the shipowner agrees to make the vessel available to the charterer for a specific period of time or for a particular voyage, in exchange for payment. The charter party sets out the terms and conditions of the agreement, including the freight rate, the cargo to be carried, and the responsibilities of both parties. It is a crucial document in the shipping industry and helps to ensure that both parties understand their obligations and rights.