Cargo Terminology (Shipping operations)

Question 1

Bale capacity

Answer 1

the cubic capacity of cargo space inside cargo battens, ceiling and the
underside of deck beams.

Question 2

Block stowage

Answer 2

an even stack of cargo which makes efficient use of available cargo space

Question 3

Bottom stow cargo

Answer 3

high density which can withstand crushing

Question 4

Break-bulk

Answer 4

non-bulk cargo such as steel rods, pipes, construction equipment, which is
neither containerised nor unitised.

Question 5

Broken stowage

Answer 5

unused space in the hold due to the irregularity of the shape of the
cargo or hold, or due to the inability to reach remote parts of the hold. It is expressed as
a percentage of total cargo hold capacity.

Question 6

Cargo battens

Answer 6

also called spar ceiling, longitudinal timbers (wooden pieces) fitted to the
inside of ship’s frames to keep cargo clear of the steel. More commonly called “dunnage”

Question 7

Ceiling

Answer 7

the timber placed along the bottom of the cargo space to protect the ship
(usually tank tops) from damage caused by cargo. More commonly called “dunnage”.

Question 8

CKD

Answer 8

“completely knocked down” machinery, usually referring to motor vehicles or
electric scooters shipped in parts, typically in boxes or pallets.

Question 9

Deadweight (DWT or dwt)

Answer 9

the weight of cargo, stores, bunkers and water. A measure of
the cargo carrying capacity of a ship. Often refers to the summer deadweight, namely the
deadweight when the ship is at her summer draft.

Question 10

What is the equation for deadweight?

Answer 10

Deadweight=load displacement-light displacement

Question 11

Drop stow

Answer 11

It is the cargo that is stowed in the square of the hatch directly under the
derrick/crane.

Question 12

Dunnage

Answer 12

It is material (often timber, rubber or plywood ) that is used to separate or
protect cargo. Where dunnage is required, it must be included in the space calculations.

Question 13

Grain capacity

Answer 13

the cubic capacity available for cargo that flows to the ship’s side.

Question 14

IBC

Answer 14

Intermediate bulk container (also called bulk bag) used for the carriage of between
0.25 and 3m3
of bulk material.

Question 15

Measurement cargo

Answer 15

It is a cargo on which freight is charged by space. It usually occupies
more than 1m3
of space per tonne weight.

Question 16

Optional cargo

Answer 16

It is that cargo for which the discharge port is not certain at the time of
loading.

Question 17

Over-carried

Answer 17

It is the cargo which has been carried beyond its intended destination

Question 18

Over-stowed

Answer 18

It is that cargo which is blocked by cargo for a later port of discharge.
Either requires double handling of offending cargo or must be over-carried.

Question 19

Pre-slung

Answer 19

It is that cargo which has lifting slings already attached.

Question 20

Short-shipped

Answer 20

It is a cargo that has been booked but not loaded.

Question 21

Short-landed

Answer 21

It is that cargo which was not discharged at its intended destination.

Question 22

Spreader

Answer 22

It is a beam that is used below the cargo hook to keep lifting slings correctly
separated. A more mechanical version is used to load containers on cellular container
ships.

Question 23

Square of the hatch

Answer 23

It is an area of the hold or ‘tween deck directly below the hatch
opening.

Question 24

Stowage factor

Answer 24

It is the number of m3
occupied by 1 tonne of the cargo. For example:
Coal USA has a stowage factor of about 1.3 m3/tonne.

Question 25

Tomming

Answer 25

Timber used to brace cargo and prevent it from shifting.

Question 25

Taint

Answer 25

A trace of a contaminating substance found in cargo that is likely to render it unfit
for its intended purpose. Normally associated with smell.

Question 26

Transhipment

Answer 26

Transfer of cargo from one vessel to another for onward carriage. May be
done at the berth, or directly between ships at anchorage.