Shipping Glossary

Shipping Glossary
Maritime Alphabet Communication
Understanding Shipping

A

A/B
Able bodied seaman, a member of the crew who is able to perform all duties of an experienced seaman.
A/S
Alongside
AA
Always afloat
AAAA
Always accessible always afloat
AAOSA
Always afloat or safely aground
AARA
Amsterdam-Antwerp-Rotterdam Area
Abaft
Toward the rear (stern) of the ship. Behind.
Aboard
On or within the ship
Above deck
On the deck (not over it – see ALOFT)
ABT
About
Ad valorum
Means “at Value” a rate of freight based on the value of the goods.
ADCOM
Address Commission
Addendum
Additional chartering terms at the end of a charter party
Affreightment
The hiring of a ship in whole or part
Aframax
American Freight Rate Association – appr. 80 000 – 105 000 dwt – term for a tank ship of standard size
AFSPS
Arrival First Sea Pilot Station (Norway)
Aft
At or towards the stern or rear of a ship
AG
Arabian Gulf – also called PG – Persian Gulf
Agent or Ship’s Agent
Person looking after the interests of a ship whiøe in port. Duties include organising pilotage, towage and berth for the ship, collecting freight and signing bills of lading
Aground
Touching or fast to the bottom
AGW
All going well
AHL
Australian hold ladders
Aids to navigation
Artificial objects to supplement natural landmarks indicating safe and unsafe waters
Aloft
Above the deck of the ship
Amidships
In or toward the centre of the ship
Anchor Piling
Mooring point on the sea bed
Anchorage
A place suitable for anchorage in relation to the wind, seas and bottom
ANTHAM
Antwerp-Hamburg range
Antifouling
Normally contains toxic compounds to prevent marine growth. Non-toxic products are gradually being introduced to the market
APS
Arrival pilot station
Aquabreak PX
Product name for an environmentally-adapted cleaning agent which can be used throughout the ship
Aquatuff
Product name for an environmentally-adapted cleaning agent used in cargo holds
AR
Accounts receivable
ARAG
Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp-Gent range
Arbitration
Method of settling disputes which is usually binding on parties concerned. A clause usually in a charter party
ASBA
American Shipbrokers Association
ASPW
Any safe port in the world
Astern
In the back of the ship, opposite of ahead
ATDNSHINC
Any time day/night Sundays and holidays Included
Athwartships
At right angles to the centreline of the ship
ATUTC
Actual times used to count

B

B/C
Bulk carrier. Single deck ship carrying homogenous unpackaged cargoes. Loaded through large hatchways
B/L
Bill of lading. A document signed by the carrier which acts as a Contract of affreightment, a receipt and evidence of title to the cargo.
Backletter
Where a seller/shipper issues a ‘letter of indemnity’ in favour of the carrier in exchange for a clean bill of lading
BAF
Bunker adjustment factor. A fuel surcharge expressed as a percentage added or subtracted from the freight amount, reflecting the movement in the market place price for bunkers.
Bale capacity
Cubic capacity of a vessels holds to carry packaged dry cargo such as bales/pallets
Ballast
Heavy weight, often sea water, necessary for the stability and safety of a ship which is not carrying cargo
Ballast bonus
Compensation for relatively long ballast voyage
Ballast water
Contains micro-organisms which can cause harm outside their home environment. Ballast water is taken on board during the discharge of a cargo to improve a vessel’s stability, changed while at sea and pumped out when the next cargo is loaded
Bareboat
Charterers hire a vessel without crew. Charterers are responsible for commercial and technical management.
Bareboat chtr
Bareboat charter – Owners lease a specific ship and control its technical management and commercial operations only. Charterers take over all responsibility for the operation of the vessel and expenses for the duration.
Barnacles
Organisms which grow on the underwater hull and increase its resistance to the water
BBB
Before breaking bulk. Refers to freight payments that must be received before discharge of a vessel commences
BDI
Both dates inclusive
Beam
The maximum breadth or the greatest width of a ship
Below
Beneath the deck
Benchmarking
To compare someone or something with the best that can be achieved within a specified field
BENDS
Both ends (load & discharge ports)
BI
Both inclusive
Bilge water
Dirty water which collects in a ship’s bilges and may be contaminated with small quantities of oil from engine room drains, etc.
Bilge water flocculant
Chemical used to separate oil from waste water
BIMCO
The Baltic and International Maritime Council
BL1
Bale
BM
Beam
BN
Booking note
BOB
Bunker on board
Boffer
Best offer
Bow
The forward part of a ship
Box
A term used for a container
BPM
Bridge procedure manual
Break-Bulk Cargo
Goods shipped loose in the vessel’s hold and not in container
BROB
Bunkers remaining on board
Brokerage
Percentage of freight payable to broker. (by owners in C/P’s) or applicable to sale or purchase.
BSM
Barber Ship Management
BSS
Basis
BSS 1/1
Basis 1 port to 1 port
BT
Berth terms
Bulk-oil carrier
Multipurpose vessel built to carry cargoes of coal as well as oil. Most bulk-oil carriers are reinforced to carry ores and are called OBO-ship (ore/bulk/oil)
Bulkhead
A vertical partition separating compartments
Bundling
This is the assembly of pieces of cargo, secured into one manageable unit. This is relevant to items such as structural steel, handrails, stairways etc. Whilst this is a very flexible description, a rule of thumb is to present cargo at a size easily handl
Bunkers
Name given for vessels fuel and diesel oil supplies (Originates from coal bunkers)
Buoy
An anchored float used for marking a position on the water or a hazard or a shoal and for mooring
BWAD
Brackishw water arrival draft

C

C/P
Charter Party
C/SNEE (or Consignee)
Name of agent, company or person receiving consignment
Cabotage
Coastal trade, i.e. the movement of goods by ship between ports on the same coast or between ports within the same country
CAF
Currency adjustment factor
Capesize
Vessel which is too large to navigate the Panama Canal – appr. 80 000 – 175 000 dwt with a beam of between 42 and 46 metres (the Panama Canal has a max. width of 32 metres), therefore being forced to voyage around the Cape Horn.
CAR
Corrective action request
CBA
Collective bargaining agreement (Salary scales for different nationalities of seamen) Used by crewing.
CBFT (or CFT)
Cubic feet
CBM
Cubic metres
CBT
Clean ballast tanks
CEO
Chiefe executive officer
CFC
Chlorofluorocarbon compounds. See HCFC
CFO
Chief financial officer
CFR
Cost and freight. Cost and freight means that the seller delivers when the goods pass the ship’s rail in the port of shipment. The seller must pay the costs and freight necessary to bring the goods to the named port of destination BUT the risk of loss of
Chart
A map used by navigators
Chartering agent
Shipbroker acting on behalf of charterer in negotiations leading to the chartering of a ship
CHENG
Chief engineer
CHOF
Chief officer or chief mate, second in command of the vessel
CHOPT
Charterers option
CHTRS
Charterers
CIF
Cost, insurance and freight. Means that the seller delivers when the goods pass the ship’s rail in the port of shipment. The seller must pay the costs and freight necessary to bring the goods to the named port of destination BUT the risk of loss of or dam
CIP
Carriage and insurance paid to… Means that the seller delivers the goods to the carrier nominated by him but the seller must in addition pay the cost of carriage necessary to bring the goods to the named destination. This means that the buyer bears all
CKD
Completely knocked down
Class
Means the vessel has its construction made according to the rules of a given Classification Society
Classification society
Organisation which carries out surveys of newbuildings and at regular intervals when in commission, setting and maintaining quality standards for ships and their equipment. Acts on behalf of the flag state’s maritime authorities
Clean (CPP)
Refined petrolium products with light color (gas, parafin, gas oil, naphta)
CM
Contingency manual
CO2
Carbon dioxide – a combustion product from burning all types of fuel. The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere may increase the temperature at the Earth’s surface – known as the greenhouse effect
COA
Contract of affreightment – Owners agree to accept a cost per revenue tonne for cargo carried on a specific number of voyages.
COACP
Contract of affreightment charter party
COB
Closing of business
COBLDN
Closing of business London
COD
Cash on delivery
COGSA
Carriage of goods by Sea act
Commision
Shipbroker’s remuneration, normally 1.25 per cent of gross freight. Calculated also for sales and purchases of vessels at one per cent of purchase price
Conference
Organization of a group of lines operating in one trade where the companies agree to use a common tariff. See also Liner Conference.
Congestion
Port/berth delays
CONS
Consumption
Consignee
Name of company or person receiving consignment
Container vessel
Ship specially designed to carry standard containers (TEUs). Generally called Cellular container ship. The larger part of the cargo-carrying capacity consists of containers carried on deck or in cells in the hold. Containers are lifted on and off with spe
COP
Custom of port
CP (or C/P)
Charter party
CPD
Charterers pay dues
CPT
Carriage paid to… Means that the seller delivers the goods to the carrier nominated by him but the seller must in addition pay the cost of carriage necessary to bring the goods to the named destination. This means that the buyer bears all risks and any
CQD
Customary quick despatch
CR
Current rate
CRN
Crane
CROB
Cargo remaining on board
CRT
Cargo retention clauses, introduced by charterers based on shortage of delivered cargo because of increased oil prices
Crude (oil)
Un-refined oil directly from the well
CST
Centistoke
CTR
Container fitted
Cubic capacity
The most important commercial measurement when the cargo is so lightweight that the ship is filled to capacity without being loaded to the load line (freeboard). Capacity is measured in cubic metres or cubic feet (cu.ft.)
CVS
Consecutive voyages

D

D&A
Drug & Alcohol
D/A
Disbursement account
DAF
Delivered at frontier. Means that the seller delivers when the goods are placed at the disposal of the buyer on the arriving means of transport not unloaded, cleared for export, but not cleared for import at the named point and place at the frontier, but
Damage for detention
Compensation for delays beyond or instead of demurrage
DAMFORDET
Damages for detention. Penalty if cargo is not ready when ship arrives for working (1st day of Laycan). This is not detention which is charged for ships time on delay. If the cargo is ready there is no DAMFORDET.
DAPS
Days all purposes (Total days for loading & discharging)
Data entry user
Reporting unit responsible in Magnitude
DDP
Delivered duty paid. Means that the seller delivers the goods to the buyer, cleared for import, and not unloaded from any arriving means of transport at the named place of destination. The seller has to bear all the costs and risks involved in bringing th
DDU
Delivered duty unpaid. Means that the seller delivers the goods to the buyer, not cleared for import, and not unloaded from any arriving means of transport at the named place of destination. The seller has to bear the costs and risks involved in bringing
Dead freight
Freight payable by charterers in case they do not supply the agreed quantity of cargo
Deck
A permanent covering over a compartment, hull or any part thereof
DEM
Demurrage (quay rent). Money paid by the shipper for the occupying port space beyond a specified “free time period.
Demurrage
The money payable to the owner for delay for which the owner is not responsible in loading or discharging after the laytime has expired.
DEQ
Delivered ex quay. Means that the seller deliveres when the goods are placed at the disposal of the buyer not cleared for import on the quay (wharf) at the named port of destination. The seller has to bear costs and risks involved in bringing the goods to
DES
Delivered ex ship. Means that the seller delivers when the goods are placed at the disposal of the buyer on board the ship not cleared for import at the named port of destination. The seller has to bear all the costs and risks involved in bringing the goo
DESP
Dispatch. Time saved, reward for quick turnaround, in dry cargo only
DET
Detention (See DAMFORDET)
DEV
Deviation. Vessel departure from specified voyage course
DFRT
Deadfreight. Space booked by shipper or charterer on a vessel but not used
DHDATSBE
Dispatch half demurrage on all time saved both ends
DHDWTSBE
Dispatch half demurrage on working time saved both ends
Disbursement
Cost, expenditure, payment
DISCH
Discharge
Dispatch
The money payable by the shipowner to the charterer if the ship completes loading or discharging before the laytime has expired as detailed in a charter party. Also referred to as despatch money.
DK
Deck

E

Ebb
A receeding current
EC
East Coast
EIU
Even if used
ELVENT
Electric ventilation
EMM
Environmental management manual
Enviro Return Management
System for legal and environment-friendly management of used ozone-depleting refrigerants
Enviroclean
Product name for an environmentally-adapted degreasing agent for engine rooms and tank cleaning
Environmental system inspections
Inspection of refrigeration systems to ensure optimum operating conditions and prevent leaks
EPA
Environmental Protection Agency
ERT
Emergency response team
Escalation clause
A clause allowing for an adjustment
ETA
Estimated time of arrival
ETC
Estimated time of completion
ETD
Estimated time of departure
ETS
Estimated time of sailing
EXW
Ex. works. Means that the seller delivers when he places the goods at the disposal of the buyer at the seller’s premises or another named place (i.e. works, factory, warehouse, etc.) not cleared for export and not loaded on any collecting vehicle.

F

FAC
Fast as can (loading or discharging)
FAS
Free alongside ship. Means that the seller delivers when the goods are placed alongside the vessel at the named port of shipment. This means that the buyer has to bear all costs and risks of loss or damage to the goods from that moment. The FAS term requi
FCA
Free to carrier. Means that the seller delivers the goods, cleared for export, to the carrier nominated by the buyer at the named place. It should be noted that the chosen place of delivery has an impact on the obligations of loading and unloading the goo
FD (FDIS)
Free discharge
FDD
Freight demurrage deadfreight
FDEDANRSAOCLONL
Freight deemed earned, discountless and non-returnable (refundable) ship and or cargo lost or not lost
FDESP
Free dispatch
Feeder
A loading system for distribution of cargo loaded, or a vessel that is transshipping cargo – e.g. cars or containers
Feeder Vessel
A short-sea vessel used to fetch and carry goods and containers to and from deep sea vessels.
Fender
A cushion, placed between ships, or between a ship and a pier, to prevent damage
FEU
Standard 40’ Container
FHEX
Fridays and holidays excepted
FHINC
Fridays and holidays included
FI
Freight interest insurance
FILO
Free in/liner out. Seafreight with which the shipper pays load costs and the carrier pays for discharge costs.
FIO
Free in/out. Freight booked FIO includes the seafreight, but no loading/discharging costs, i.e. the charterer pays for cost of loading/discharging cargo.
FIOS
Free in/out stowed. As per FIO, but excludes stowage costs.
FIOST
Free in/out and trimmed. Charterer pays for cost of loading/discharging cargo, including stowage and trimming.
FIOT
Free in/out and trimmed. As per FIOS but includes trimming, e.g. the levelling of bulk cargoes. FIOS includes seafreight, but excludes loading/discharging and stowage costs.
FIT
Free in trimmed
FIW
Free in wagon
Fixing
Chartering a vessel
Fixture
Conclusion of shipbrokers negotiations to charter a ship – an agreement
Flatpacking
Cargo to be presented stacked and secured as an integral unit.
FLT
Full liner terms
FMC
Federal Maritime Commission
FME
Force Majeure excepted
FMS
Fathoms
FO1
For orders
FO2 (IFO)
Fuel oil/intermediate FO
FO3
Free out
FOB
Free on board. Means that the seller delivers when the goods pass the ship’s rail at the named port of shipment. This means that the buyer has to bear all costs and risks of loss of or damage to the goods from that point. The FOB term requires the seller

G

g/t-km
Denotes emissions in grams per tonne of cargo shipped over a kilometre
GA
General average or general arrangement plan
GA plan
General arrangement plan
Gamazymes
Bioactive cleaning agents used in galleys, crew quarters and passenger sections on cruise liners
GEAR
A general term for ropes, blocks, tackle and other equipment
General cargo
Goods unpackaged or packaged, but not shipped in bulk
GEOROT
Geographical rotation
GL
General ledger
GLS (GLESS)
Gearless
GM
General manager; head of local entity
GN (or GR)
Grain (Capacity)
GNCN or Gencon
General conditions
GO
Gas oil
GP
Grain capacity. Cubic capacity in ‘grain’
GR
Geographical rotation. Ports in order of calling
GRD
Geared
Green Passport
A certificate which confirms which materials have been used in a vessel’s construction
Gross Tonnage
(0.2+0.02*log10V)*V, where V is the volume in cubic metres of all enclosed spaces on board
GRT
Gross registered tonnage
GSB
Good, safe berth
GSP
Good, safe port
GTEE
Guarantee
Gunwale
The upper edge of a ship’s sides

H

H&M
Hull and machinery insurance
HA
Hatch
Hague rules
Code of minimum conditions for the carriage of cargo under a Bill of lading
Hallmarks
A mark indicating quality or excellence.
Halon
Previously used on ships as an effective fire-extinguishing medium, harmful to the ozone layer in the atmosphere
Handymax
Dry bulk vessel of appr. 35 000 – 50 000 dwt.
Handysize
Dry bulk vessel or product tanker, 15 000 – 50 000 dwt.
Hatch
An opening in a ship’s deck fitted with a watertight cover
HBF
Harmless bulk fertilizer
HCFC
Hydro-chlorofluorocarbon compounds, such as freon 22 (R22)
HDLTSBENDS
Half dispatch lay time saved both ends
HDWTS
Half dispatch working (or weather) time saved
HFC
Hydrofluorocarbon
HFO
Heavy fuel oil. Used in ship’s engines and boiler systems
HHDW
Handy heavy d.w. (scrap)
HI
Hull interest insurance
Hire
T/C remuneration
Hire-purchase Charter-Party
C/P where the charterer gets ownership of the vessel at the conclusion of the C/P
HMS
Heavy metal scraps
Hold or HO
A compartment below deck in a large vessel, used solely for carrying cargo
Hull
The main body of a ship
HW
High water

I

IAS
International Accounting Standards. (Former name for IFRS.)
ICT
Information communication technology
ICW
Intercoastal waterway : bays, rivers, and canals along the coasts (such as the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts), connected so that vessels may travel without going into the sea
IFRS
International Financial Reporting Standards
ILO
International Labour Organization
IMDG
International Maritime Dangerous Goods code
IMO
International Maritime Organisation. Body created to regulate international maritime trade
IMO
International Maritime Organisation
In &/or over
Goods carried below and/or on deck
Incinerator
Used to burn waste and sludge
IND
Indication
Indemnity
Compensation for loss/damage or injury
INMARSAT
International Maritime Satellite System
INTERMODAL
Carriage of a commodity by different modes of transport, i.e. sea, road, rail and air within a single journey
ISM Code
International Safety Management Code. The objectives of the ISM Code are to ensure safety at sea, prevention of human injury or loss of life, and avoidance of damage to the environment, in particular to the marine environment and to property. The purpose
ISMA
International Ship Managers Association
ISO 14000
ISO standard for environmental management
ISO 14001
International environmental standard
ISO 9001
International quality standard
ISPS
International Ship and Port Facility Security Code. The Objective with the ISPS code is to establish an international framework involving co-operations between contracting governments, governement agencies, local administration and the shipping and port i
ITF
International Transport Federation
Itinerary
Route. Schedule
IU
If used
IUHTAUTC
If used. Half time actually used to count
IWL
Institute Warranty Limits

J

Joint service
Two or more shipping companies jointly operating a service
Joint Venture
A Joint Venture is a contractual arrangement whereby two or more parties control jointly an economic activity. The economic activity is carried through a separate enterprise (company or partnership, it is handled as a jointly controlled enterprise. Joint

K

Keel
The centreline of a ship running fore and aft; the backbone of a vessel
Knot
A measurement of speed equal to one nautical mile (6 076 feet) per hour
Kommandittselskap (K/S)
Limited partnership. A form of shipfinancing
Kyoto protocol
International agreement, adopted under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

L

L/C
Letter of credit
Lane meter
A method of measuring the space capacity of ro-ro ships whereby each unit of space (linear meter) is represented by an area of deck 1.0 meter in length x 2.5 meters in width.
Lash
To hold goods in position by use of ropes, wires, chains or straps etc.
LAT
Latitude. The distance north or south of the equator measured and expressed in degrees.
Laycan
Laydays/cancelling.
Laytime
Time at Charterers disposal for purpose of loading/discharging
LCR
Lowest current rate
Leasing
when a ship is leased, the owner may in fact utilize it as in a bareboat or hire-purchase-C/P, but without entering into a charter-party-contract. The price is agreed between the shipping company (lessee) and the vessel’s legal owner – the leasing company
Lee
The side sheltered from the wind
Leeward
The direction away from the wind. Opposite of windward
Leeway
The sideways movement of the ship caused by either wind or current
LF
Load factor. Percentage of cargo or passengers carries e.g. 4 000 tons carried on a vessel of 10 000 capacity has a load factor of 40%
Lien
Retention of property until outstanding debt is paid
Liner
Vessel serving a regular defined route or trade, following a published sailing schedule
Liner conference
Two or more shipping companies operating a service in common between designated areas. Conference partners agree special freight rates and terms for the trade, in order to stabilize market and service
Liner service
Cargoships operating regular schedules between advertised ports
Liner terms
Ship responsible for all costs of loading and discharging
LNG
Liquefied natural gas (mostly methane)
LOA
Length overall (of ships hull)
LOA
Length overall of the vessel
Load line
See Plimsoll line
LOF
Lloyds Open Form
LOG
A record of courses or operation. Also, a device to measure speed
LOH
Loss of hire insurance
LOI
Letter of indemnity
LOLO
Lift on – lift off
Longitude
The distance in degrees east or west of the meridian at Greenwich, England
LOW
Last open water
Low NO x nozzles
Fuel valves specially developed to reduce formation of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from combustion
LPG
Liquefied petroleum gas – from refineries (motstly propane, butane)
LS (or LUMPS)
Lumpsum freight. Money paid to shipper for a charter of a ship (or portion) up to stated limit irrespective of quantity of cargo
LSD
Lashed secured dunnaged
LSFO
Low-sulphur fuel oil (bunkers)
LT1
Liner terms
LT2
Long tonne = 1 016.05 kilogram (2 240 lbs)
LTHH
Liner terms hook/hook
LW
Low water
LYCN
Laycan (Layday cancelling date)

M

M/V
Motor vessel/merchant vessel
Manifest
Inventory of cargo (Document discribing the cargo aboard)
Maritime lien
A right in the propery of a ship, conferred by law for seamens wages, salvage, etc.
Mark I
WW designation for ro-ro carriers built in 1978-79
Mark II
WW designation for ro-ro carriers built in 1984
Mark III
WW designation for ro-ro carriers built in 1996
Mark IV
WW designation for ro-ro carriers built in 2000-01
Marpol
IMO convention on the prevention of marine pollution. Regulates environmental pollution by ships
MB
Merchant broker
MDO (DO)
Marine diesel oil
MDO/MGO
Marine diesel oil/marine gas oil
MED
Mediterranean Sea
Merger
The joining of two or more (shipowning) companies
MHI
Car carriers built at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 2004-06
MIAP
Mortgagee interest additional perils pollution
Midship
Approximately in the location equally distant from the bow and stern
MII
Mortgagee interest insurance
MIN/MAX
Minimum/Maximum (cargo quantity)
MM
Marketing manual
MOA
Memorandum of agreement
MOLCHOPT
More or less charterers option
MOLOO
More or less owners option. (A margin for shipowner for how much the ship should carry: A moloo of 5% on a 30 000 ton ship gives a cargo between 28 500 and 31 500 tons
Montreal protocol
International agreement which aims to protect the ozone layer. Forms part of the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP)
Mooring
An arrangement for securing a ship to a mooring buoy or pier
MSM
Minimum safe manning (flag states minimum approved manning for a vessel)
MT
Metric tonne (1 000 kilos)
Multipurpose ship
General cargo ship which can also carry containers

N

NAABSA
Not always afloat but safely aground
Navigation
The art and science of conducting a ship safely from one point to another
NCB
National Cargo Bureau
Nesting
Implies that cargo is presented stacked in the contour of similarly shaped cargo, it may be likened to a stack of plates. This is particularly relevant in the presentation of tankage strakes for transport
NIS
Norwegian International Ship Register
Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
Environmentally-harmful gases formed by the engine’s combustion process
NM
Nautical mile. One minute of latitude; approximately 6 076 feet – about 1/8 longer than the statute mile of 5 280 feet
NMD
Norwegian Maritime Directorate
Non-conformity
ISM definition of non-conformity: Non-conformity means an observed situation where objective evidence indicates the non-fulfilment of a specified requirement. Major non-conformity means an identifiable deviation that poses a serious threat to the safety
Non-reversible
Detention. If loading completed sooner than expected, then saved days will not be added to discharge time allowed.
NOR
Notice of readiness
NRT
Net register tonnage
NYPE
New York Produce Exchange

O

OBO
Ore/bulk/oil vessel
OCIMF
The Oil Companies International Marine Forum: OCIMF is a voluntary association of oil companies having an interest in the shipment and terminalling of crude oil and oil products. OCIMF is organised to represent its membership before, and to consult with,
Off hire
A chartering term indicating the time a chartered vessel is no longer attracting a daily fixture rate. It arises i.e. upon break down of machinery, equipment or when owing to poor performance such as slower speed than prescribed in the voyage charter, the
OO
Owners option
OPA 90
The Oil Pollution Act of 1990, a US law imposing far-reaching requirements on shipowners, vessels and crews when carrying petroleum products to the US and within the US Economic Zone (200 miles off the coastline). Intriduced after the Exxon Valdez-catastr
Ore/oil carrier
Ship with separate cargo holds for ore cargoes. When the ship is carrying oil, the ore holds may also be filled with oil, in order to utilize the deadweight capacity to the fullest
OSH
Open shelter deck
Overboard
Over the side or out of the ship
OWS
Owners
OWS
Oily water separator

P

P&I
Protection and indemnity (Responsibility insurance for the shipowner).
Panmax or Panamax
The largest bulk carrier which can pass through the Panama Canal fully loaded (appr. 80 000 dwt.)
PASTUS
Past Us
PC
Period of charter
PCC
Pure car carrier (vessel type)
PCGO
Part cargo
PCT
Percent
PCTC
Pure car and truck carrier (vessel type)
PDA
Proforma disbursement account
PDPR
Per day or pro rata (for part of a day)
Per diem
By the day
Per se
By itself
PG
Persian Gulf
PHPD
Per hatch per day
Plimsoll mark or line
An internationally recognised line painted on the side of merchant ships. When a ship is loaded, the water level is not supposed to go above the line. Water can reach different parts of the line as its temperature and saltiness varies with the season and
PMS
Port marine services
Pooling
Cargo or profit sharing by cooperating companies in lines or liner conferences
Port
The left side of a ship looking forward. A harbour.
ppm
Parts per million (1 ppm = 0,000001 or 1 mg/kg)
Pratique
Licence or permission to use a port
Preamble
Introduction to a charter party
Proforma
Estimated account
Proforma disbursement account
Preliminery overview of total port costs from agent
Protectionism
Flag state protection of own shipping by the elimination of certain competitive elements
PS&L
Port service & logistics which includes the product lines PMS, Liner, Logistics and HUB
PUS
Plus us
PWWD
Per weather working day

Q

QA
Quality assurance

R

RCVR
Receiver
RECAP
Recapitulation of the terms and conditions agreed
Recovery package
Advanced equipment package for secure recovery of refrigerants. Satisfies all relevant marine regulations
Reefer Vessel
Vessel with refrigerated cargo hold(s)
Refrigerants
Used in refrigeration and freezing plants
Reg (EC) 2037/2000
EU regulation covering ozone-depleting substances which seeks to protect the ozone layer
Reversible
Detention. If loading completed sooner than expected at load port, then days saved can be added to discharge operations.
Ro-ro
Roll-on, roll-off carrier tailored to transport heavy rolling cargo and static cargoes
ROB
Remaining on board
RT
Revenue Tonne (i.e. 1.0 metric tonne or 1.0 cubic meter, whichever greater). The overall RT is calculated on a line by line basis of the Packing List using the largest amount. The overall freight liability is calculated on the total RT amount, multiplied
RT43
Measure for capacity by a car which is 4.125 m long, 1.550 m wide and 1.420 m high

S

SAR
Search and Rescue
SATPM
Saturday P.M.
SB
Safe berth
SBT
Segregated ballast tanks
SD (or SID)
Single decker
Seafreight
Costs charged for transporting goods over the sea. This does not cover haulage or loading/discharging costs but the sea transport only
Seaworthiness
Statement of condition of the vessel (valid certificates, fully equipped and manned etc.)
Seca
Sulphur oxide emission control area – a sea area defined by the IMO where the sulphur content of bunkers must not exceed 1,5% or emissions of sulphur oxides to the air must be below 6 g/kWh
SELFD
Self discharging
Semi-trailers
Are usually 12.0 meter flat bed road trailers
SF
Stowage factor. Cubic space (measurement tonne) occupied by one tonne (2,240 lbs/1,000 kgs) of cargo
SHEX
Sundays and holidays excluded
SHINC
Sundays and holidays included
Shipbroker
Person who – on behalf of shipowner/shipper – negotiates a deal for the transportation of cargo at an agreed price. Shipbrokers are also active when shipping companies negotiate the purchasing and selling of ships, both secondhand tonnage and newbuilding
Short Sea Shipping
Short distance international trade. Commonly used for trading between countries in the European Union
Skids
Are bearers (timber or steel) positioned under the cargo to enable forklift handling at port, and for ease of rigging and lashing on board ship.
Slide valve
Fuel valves which are fully emptied on each stroke, and thereby counteract afterburning
Sludge
Mixture of water and oil formed during treatment of heavy fuel oil
SMC
Safety management certificate – ref. ISM Code
SN
Satellite navigation. A form of position finding using radio transmissions from satellites with sophisticated on-board automatic equipment
SOC
Shipper owned container
SOF
Statement of facts
SOPEP
Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan
SP
Safe port
Spidering
Is the strengthening of circular tanks for transport, this prevents the tanks from becoming warped. The tanks are strengthened with steel or wood crossbeams giving a “spider” appearance
Spot or spotrate
Rate for single voyage based on the market situation on the day
SQC
Special Qualification Certificate (issued by flag state)
SQM
Safety quality manager
SRBL
Signing and releasing Bill of lading
SSHEX
Saturdays, Sundays, holidays excluded
SSHINC (or SATSHINC)
Saturdays, Sundays, holidays included
SSMM
Ship Safety Management Manual
Stability
It is paramount that a vessel is stable in all aspects at all times. When cargo is loaded/discharged, the stability is monitored by a computer, which takes into account the weight and position of cargo within the vessel.
Starboard
Right side of a ship when facing the front or forward end.
STCW
Standards of Training, Certificates and Watchkeeping. Standard that crewing have to comply with. For more information please look at www.imo.org (Human Element – Training and Certification).
Stem
Subject to enough merchandise (availability of cargo). Also, the forward most part of the bow.
Stern
The foremost or after part of a ship
Stevedore
Dockworker handling loading/discharging. Term also used on companies delivering such services
SUB Subject (to).
Depending upon as a condition
Subsidiary
A subsidiary is an investee where the enterprise owns more than 50 per cent and the parent’s power to govern the financial and operating policies or has control over the other enterprise.
Suezmax
The largest tank vessel which can pass through the Suez Canal fully loaded (120 000 -165 000 dwt.)
Sulphur oxides (SOx)
Sulphur in the bunkers oil combines with oxygen in the combustion process to form sulphur oxides. These react with moisture in the air to produce sulphurous and sulphuric acid
Supercargo
Person employed by a ship owner, shipping company, charterer of a ship or shipper of goods to supervise cargo handling operations. Often called a port captain.
SWAD
Salt water arrival draft
SWDD
Salt water departure draft
Swedac
Swedish Board for Accreditation and Conformity Assessment

T

T/C
Time charter (shipper controls the ship and pays a monthly rent, T/C-hire)
Tallyman
Controls the cargo going into and out of the vessel. Checks that volume and number tallies with the manifests
Tanker
Ship carrying liquid bulk cargoes
TBN
To be named/nominated
TBT
Tributyltin, used in tin-based antifouling
TC
Time charter. Owners agree to hire a particular ship for a set length of time and provide technical management, crewing etc.
TCP
Time charter party
Tender
Proposal, offer, bid for a contract
TEU
Standard 20’ Container
Thwartships
At right angles to the centre-line of the ship
Tide
The periodic rise and fall of water level in the oceans
Time bar
The number of days after comleted voyage before demands have to be stated
TMSA
Tanker Management and Self Assessment. The OCIMF’s Tanker Management and Self-Assessment programme is a tool to help ship operators measure and improve their management systems. The programme encourages ship operators to assess their safety-management sys
Topside
The sides of a ship between the waterline and the deck; sometimes referring to onto or above the deck
Tramp shipping
Ships trading where they can get cargo
Transaction currency
The currency used on a single invoice/voucher
Trim
Fore and aft balance of a ship
TTL
Total
TW
Tween decker

U

UER
Undesired event report
ULCC
Ultra Large Crude Carrier – oil tanker of 300,000 + dwt
Unicool
Barwil Unitor’s maritime refrigerants
USC
Unless sooner commenced
UTC
= GMT
UU
Unless used
UUIWCTAUTC
Unless used in which case time actually used to count

V

VCM
Vessel contingency manual
Viscosity
A liquid’s resistance to flow
VLCC
Very Large Crude Carrier – oil tanker between 200,000 and 300,000 dwt.
VPD
Vessel pays dues
VRPP
Vessel resonse plan pollution

W

W or WS
Worldscale (Rating system for tanking. Basis rates for different voyages)
Waterline
A line painted on a hull which shows the point to which a ship sinks when it is properly trimmed
Way
Movement of a ship through water such as headway, sternway or leeway
WCCON
Whether customs cleared or not
Weather permitting
If the weather allows..
WIBON
Whether in berth or not
WIFPON
Whether in free pratique or not
Windward
Toward the direction from which the wind is coming
WIPON
Whether in port or not
WLS
Wilhelmsen Lines Shipowning
WLTOHC
Water line-to-hatch coaming
WMC
Wilhelmsen Marine Consultants
WMS
Wilhelmsen Maritime Services
WOG
Without guarantee
WP
Weather permitting. That time during which weather prevents working shall not count as laytime
WPD
Weather permitting day
WRIC
Wire rods in collis
WWD
Weather working day
WWD
Weather working day (days when loading/ discharging is not interrupted by the weather)
WWR
When, where ready
WWWW
WIBON, WCCON, WIFPON, WIPON

X

–

Y

YAR
York Antwerp Rules
YAW
To swing or steer off course, as when running with a quartering sea
YB
Yellow Book – onboard the ships on management

Z

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