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 meets a stated need.
Gross tonnage is a measure of a ship’s internal volume for the purposes of determining which regulations apply, calculating port fees, etc. Although this term sounds like a reference to weight, because it uses the term “ton,” it’s important to note that it’s a measure of volume and doesn’t provide information about the weight of a ship, loaded or empty. This is one among a group of terms used to describe the characteristics of ships for regulatory purposes.
Each “ton” in this unit of measure consists of 100 cubic feet (2.83 cubic meters) of space. There are several ways to calculate gross tonnage, looking at ways that different loads could fit on a ship. Bales and shipping containers will need to stack and take up space differently than something like a full grain warehouse, where grain can fill every corner of the warehouse. In gross tonnage disclosures, a discussion of the calculation approach used informs readers so they can understand the data they are examining.
Gross tonnage does not include deck structures and also excludes spaces reserved for crew, passengers, ballast and equipment. It specifically focuses on cargo holds. The higher the gross tonnage, the more the ship can carry. The boat will also have a separate weight rating indicating the maximum weight it can safely carry, as well as the unladen weight. Other useful measurements include things like displacement.
This measure may affect the ports a ship can enter, how much it pays to dock, and what types of registration fees are due. These fees are size-adjusted to ensure ships pay a reasonable share based on how much they carry. Personnel requirements and other legal stipulations are also based on gross tonnage. Ships must disclose their measurements so authorities can ensure owners and captains operate their vessels responsibly and comply with relevant laws.
Gross tonnage measurements can be determined during the design and engineering phase. Designers want to ensure that a ship meets a stated need and may vary the design to accommodate tonnage. Clients may have particular requests depending on what they are carrying and where they are traveling. Knowing the basics of the boat ahead of time can be important in obtaining loans, insurance, and other support needed before taking delivery of a new boat.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
