Net tonnage is a measure of a ship’s cargo space, not weight, and is calculated based on volume. The International Maritime Organization established rules for net tonnage in 1982, which have been ratified by at least 86 nations. Calculating net tonnage is complex and takes into account factors such as the ship’s length, depth, and […]
Deadweight tonnage (DWT) measures a ship’s total carrying capacity, including cargo, fuel, ballast, crew, potable water, and stores. Cargo DWT is the actual payload weight, and volume measurements are favored in modern maritime regulations. DWT is an adaptation from the early days of merchant ships, where wine was often shipped in barrels or jars. Deadweight […]
Gross tonnage is a measure of a ship’s internal volume used to determine regulations, port fees, and more. It’s not a measure of weight and excludes crew and passenger spaces. The higher the gross tonnage, the more the ship can carry, and it affects fees and legal requirements. Designers use it to ensure a ship […]
