Knowledge Bank

A unit of distance at sea, equal to 1,852 meters.

An insurance provider covering liability claims and legal expenses for shipowners.

Gross tonnage minus non-revenue spaces like engine rooms and crew quarters.

The total internal volume of a ship, expressed in gross tonnage, used for administrative and taxation purposes.

The maximum weight (in tons) a ship can carry, including cargo, fuel, crew, and provisions.

BIMCO (Baltic and International Maritime Council) is the world's largest international shipping organization that develops standard contracts, clauses, and guidelines for the maritime industry. It provides legal and commercial support to shipowners, charterers, and other maritime stakeholders.

The transfer of cargo between two vessels at sea, often used for oil and gas tankers or in offshore operations.

A method where vehicles and rolling cargo are driven on and off a ship or barge using ramps, without the need for cranes.

A method where containers and heavy cargo are loaded and unloaded using cranes, commonly used for conventional cargo ships.

A method where heavy or floating cargo (such as ships and offshore structures) is loaded and unloaded by submerging a semi-submersible vessel.

FIOS (Free In Out Stowed) means that the shipper/receiver/charterer/merchant is responsible for the costs of loading, stowage, and unloading of the cargo. The shipping line is only responsible for the sea freight transport itself

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Full Liner Terms (FLT) means that the shipping line is responsible for the costs of loading, stowage, unloading, and terminal charges. This typically includes all port expenses, except for customs duties and other specific local charges.

TEU stands for Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit and is a standard measurement unit in container transport. A TEU represents a 20-foot (approximately 6.1 meters) long, 8-foot (2.44 meters) wide, and 8.5-foot (2.59 meters) high container.

A standardized code used to classify traded goods for customs purposes.

A legal document issued by a carrier detailing the type, quantity, and destination of goods, also serving as a receipt and ownership document.

A shipment where one shipper uses an entire container.