Maritime Cyclopedia

• Abaft - A point beyond the midpoint of a ship's length, towards the rear or stern.
• Astern - Behind a vessel - Move in a reverse direction.
• Beam - The width of a ship.
• Contraband - Cargo that is prohibited.
• Deadweight Tonnage (DWT) - The number of tons of 2,240 pounds that a vessel can transport of cargo, stores and bunker fuel. It is the difference between the number of tons of water a vessel displaces "light" and the number of tons it displaces when submerged to the "load line." An approximate conversion ratio is 1NT = 1.7GT and 1GT = 1.5DWT.
• Demurrage - A penalty charge against shippers or consignees for delaying the carrier's equipment or vessel beyond the allowed free time.
• ETA, C, D, R, S - Estimated Time of Arrival, Completion, Departure, Readiness, or Sailing
• Free Astray - An astray shipment (a lost shipment that is found) sent to its proper destination without additional charge.
• GVW - Abbreviation for "Gross Vehicle Weight." The combined total weight of a vehicle and its container, inclusive of prime mover.
• Groupage - The grouping together of several compatible consignments into a full container load. Also referred to as consolidation.
• Inducement - Placing a port on a vessel's itinerary because the volume of cargo offered by that port justifies the cost of routing the vessel.
• Jacob's Ladder - A rope ladder suspended from the side of a vessel and used for boarding.
• Jettison - Act of throwing cargo or equipment (jetsam) overboard when a ship is in danger.
• Perils of the Sea - Those causes of loss for which the carrier is not legally liable. The elemental risks of ocean trans¬port.
• Seaworthiness - The fitness of a vessel for its intended use.
• Stuffing - Putting cargo into a container.
• Tare Weight - In railcar or container shipments, the weight of the empty railcar or empty container.
• Throughput Charge - The charge for moving a container through a container yard off or onto a ship.
• Turnaround - In water transportation, the time it takes between the arrival of a vessel and its departure.