A couple CG exam questions:
It will be D, lunchtime.
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When I was a port manager liner service Norfolk , last port before Panama we worked on standard transit times to Panama anchorage. Always early, penalty for late extreme, loose your slot. Sometimes late cargo arrival ships issue etc vessel would cut it close. In that case Cargo Superintendent would have a conversation with the Master who would calculate exact ETA and agree on new plan.
In practice Superintendent would figure it himself before raising the issue with the master. Our company requirement for Superintendent was 5 years on company vessels as Chief Officer no lack of experience there. Standard arrival reporting time to Panama transit agents too who made the final arrangements, often adjusting the actual transit anchorage to canal.
When I was a Trade Manager West Africa same thing, we budgeted the service on 60 day round voyage, could be done in 55 5 extra for delays or additional port, Long transit US to First port. Standard transit time port to port as a guide. Superintendent could and often did adjust in consultation with trade department arrIval port agents and the Master who was always final word.
We never asked the master for precise eta in advance. Way to keep schedule is build in extra arrive early and adjust several days before arrival master always final say.
I suspect the original posters question involved a charter. Many charterers have little sailing experience and most times no shore based superintendent assigned. Much more pressure on the master. 3rd world master may go to extreme to make eta or say he can when he can’t. System is different full load, transit times vary widely, notice of readiness issued by the vessel before any orders to ports etc She’s at anchor port of arrival before they report ready .