Maritime Abbreviations

Detailed below is our non-exhaustive list of some of the most frequently used abbreviations and their definitions that you may come across from time to time. A wonderful Glossary of Nautical Terms (circa. 1814) can also be found here. We hope that you will find this information both helpful and informative. Please E-mail us if you have any additional charter term abbreviations or comments or for a quotation on your next project.

FIOS (FREE IN, OUT, STOWED) :
It is most important to remember that the "Free" reference is viewed from the Ship Owners point of view - not the Shipper’s. Some Shippers get caught out when they read the word "Free" as they incorrectly believe that it refers to them.

Freight rates quoted on a FIOS basis specifically exclude all aspects relating to cargo handling operations. The ship is only responsible for expenses arising as a result of the ship calling into the port, i.e. tugs, pilots and light dues etc. Another very important consideration when booking cargo on FIOS terms is that the ship does not bear any responsibility for the speed of loading or discharging.

Usually the rate agreed includes a fixed "free" period of time for loading/discharging operations, after which time a daily demurrage is incurred. Obviously this is of paramount importance where port congestion or stevedoring performance is uncertain. There are many overseas ports which fall into this category and particularly where vessel demurrage rates can vary significantly, depending on the size and type of ship nominated to undertake the particular project.

LINER TERMS - GENERAL STATEMENT :
Liner Terms is a very ambiguous statement and can be interpreted in a variety of ways in different ports of the world and by different Ship Owners/Agents. Personally we would prefer to clearly define the extent of responsibility when quoting on this basis.

LINER TERMS HOOK / HOOK :
Given that this is a notional point in chartering terms, this is best described as the Shipper/Receiver arranging for delivery/receival of cargo to/from directly under ships hook and the ship paying for the labour to stow the cargo in the vessels cargo holds, as well as on-board lashing & securing and provision of dunnage materials, and to discharge again over the ship’s side. Shore based stevedoring aspects remain the responsibility of the shipper/receiver, however, there are some Owners that may incorporate these costs into their LTHH rate. Once again, ask Owners to clearly define this aspect.

Wharfage charges/dues/taxes can be a contentious issue but are usually considered to be for the Shippers/Receivers account and there may also be many other statutory levies on cargo or freight that may apply. Many Shippers/Receivers are unaware of these additional costs and do not include them into their costing and consequently may be left with an unexpected considerable expense at the completion of a project.

FULL LINER TERMS :
This is somewhat a vaguer term given different port practices. However, it generally implies that the freight amount provided includes both shore based and on-board stevedoring, lashing/unlashing, dunnage materials, securing/unsecuring and all costs of presenting to/receiving the cargo from the ship’s side; with the shippers/receivers just bearing the cost of discharging from/reloading to the transport, along with the usual port charges/levies/taxes etc.

Frequently the terms are varied at different ends of the voyage i.e. FILO (Free In/Liner Out), LIFO (Liner In Free Out) or FIFO (Free In/Free Out) etc. To be absolutely sure of all liabilities, it is always advisable to request that terms clearly and concisely indicate what is/isn’t included in your particular contract - in layman’s terms.

I hope you will find this information both helpful and informative. If you require clarification on any aspect, or have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time.

ABBREVIATION MEANING
AA
Always Afloat

AAAA
Always Accessible Always Afloat
AAOSA
Always Afloat or Safe Aground. Condition for a vessel whilst in port
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
ADCOM
Address Commission
ADDENDUM
Additional chartering terms at the end of a charter party
AFSPS
Arrival First Sea Pilot Station (Norway)
AFFREIGHTMENT
The hiring of a ship in whole or part
AFT
At or towards the stern or rear of a ship
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
ANCHORAGE
A place suitable for anchorage in relation to the wind, seas and bottom
ANTHAM
Antwerp-Hamburg Range
APS
Arrival Pilot Station
ARAG
Amsterdam-Rotterdam--Antwerp-Gent Range
ARBITRATION
Method of settling disputes which is usually binding on parties. A clause usually in a charter party
A/S
Alongside
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
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 CAP.
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
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.
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
BENDS
Both Ends (Load & Discharge Ports)
BI
Both Inclusive
BIMCO
The Baltic and International Maritime Council
BL1
Bale
BL2
(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.
BM
Beam
BN
Booking Note
BOB
Bunker on Board
BOFFER
Best Offer
BOW
The forward part of a ship
BROB
Bunkers Remaining on Board
BROKERAGE
Percentage of freight payable to broker (by owners in c/p's) or applicable to sale or purchase
BSS
Basis
BSS 1/1
Basis 1 Port to 1 Port
BT
Berth Terms
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 handled by a large (20 tonne) fork lift.
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
Brackish Water Arrival Draft
CAF
Currency Adjustment Factor
CBM
Cubic Metres
CBFT (or CFT)
Cubic Feet
CFR (or C&F)
Cost and Freight
CHART
A map used by navigators
CHOPT
Charterers Option
CHTRS
Charterers
CIF
Cost, Insurance & Freight. Seller pays all these costs to a nominated port or place of discharge.
CKD
Completely knocked down
COA
Contract of Affreightment - Owners agree to accept a cost per revenue tonne for cargo carried on a specific number of voyages.
CIP
Carriage and Insurance paid to...
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
CONGESTION
Port/berth delays
CONS
Consumption
C/SNEE
CONSIGNEE. Name of agent, company or person receiving consignment
COP
Custom Of Port
CP (or C/P)
Charter Party
CPD
Charterers Pay Dues
CPT
Carriage Paid To
CQD
Customary Quick Despatch
CR
Current Rate
CROB
Cargo Remaining on Board
CRN
Crane
CRT
Cargo Retention Clauses, introduced by charterers based on shortage of delivered cargo because of increased oil prices
CST
Centistoke
CTR
Container Fitted
DA
Disbursement Account
DAF
Deliver At Frontier
DAPS
Days all Purposes (Total days for loading & discharging)
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.
DDU
Delivered Duty unpaid.
DDP
Delivered Duty Paid.
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.
DEQ
Delivered Ex Quay
DES
Delivered Ex Ship
DESP
Despatch. 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
Despatch Half Demurrage on All Time Saved Both Ends
DHDWTSBE
Despatch Half Demurrage on Working Time Saved Both Ends
DISCH
Discharge
DK
Deck
DLOSP
Dropping Last Outwards Sea Pilot (Norway)
DO
Diesel Oil
DOLSP
Dropping Off Last Sea Pilot (Norway)
DOP
Dropping Outward Pilot
DOT
Department of Transport
DNRCAOSLONL
Discountless and Non-Returnable Cargo and/or Ship Lost or Not Lost
DRAUGHT (or DRAFT)
Depth to which a ship is immersed in water. The depth varies according to the design of the ship and will be greater or lesser depending not only on the weight of the ship and everything on board, but also on the density of the water in which the ship is lying.
DRK
Derrick
DUNNAGE
Materials of various types, often timber or matting, placed among the cargo for separation, and hence protection from damage, for ventilation and, in the case of certain cargoes, to provide space in which the tynes of a fork lift truck may be inserted.
DWAT (or DWT)
Deadweight. Weight of cargo, stores and water, i.e. the difference between lightship and loaded displacement.
EBB
A receeding current
EC
East Coast
EIU
Even If Used
ELVENT
Electric Ventilation
ETA
Estimated Time of Arrival
ETC
Estimated Time of Completion
ETD
Estimated Time of Departure
ETS
Estimated Time of Sailing
EXW
Ex Works
FAC
Fast as can
FAS
Free Alongside Ship. Seller delivers goods to appropriate dock or terminal at port of embarkation and buyer covers costs and risks of loading
FCA
Free to Carrier. A modern equivalent of FAS used in intermodal transport where goods are transferred at a nominated forwarders premises, depot or terminal but not actually on board vessel.
FD (FDIS)
Free Discharge
FDD
Freight Demurrage Deadfreight
FDESP
Free Despatch
FDEDANRSAOCLONL
Freight Deemed Earned, Discountless And Non-Returnable (Refundable) Ship And Or Cargo Lost Or Not Lost
FENDER
A cushion, placed between ships, or between a ship and a pier, to prevent damage
FEU
Standard 40’ Container
FHEX
Fridays/Holidays Excluded
FHINC
Fridays/Holidays Included
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. Seller sees the goods "over the ship’s rail" on to the ship which is arranged and paid for by the buyer
FOFFER
Firm Offer
FOG
For Our Guidance
FOQ
Free On Quay
FOR
Free On Rail
FORCE MAJEURE
Clause limiting responsibilities of the charterers, shippers and receivers of cargo.
FORE-AND-AFT
In a line parallel to the keel
FORWARD
Toward the bow of the ship
FOT
Free On Truck
FOW1
First Open Water
FOW2
Free On Wharf
FP
Free Pratique. Clearance by the Health Authorities
FR
First Refusal. First attempt at best offer that can be matched
FREEBOARD
The minimum vertical distance from the surface of the water to the gunwale
FRT
Freight. Money payable on delivery of cargo in a mercantile condition
FREE DESPATCH
If loading/discharging achieved sooner than agreed, there will be no freight money returned.
FREE EXINS
Free of any Extra Insurance (Owners)
FREE OUT
Free of discharge costs to owners. Includes seafreight only.
FRUSTRATION
Charterers when cancelling agreement sometimes quote 'doctrine of frustration' i.e. vessel is lost, extensive delays.
FWAD
Fresh Water Arrival Draft
FWDD
Fresh Water Departure Draft
FYG
For Your Guidance
FYI
For Your Information





ABBREVIATION MEANING

GA
General Average
GEAR
A general term for ropes, blocks, tackle and other equipment
GLS (GLESS)
Gearless
GNCN
Gencon (GENERAL CONDITIONS)
GN (or GR)
Grain (Capacity)
GO
Gas Oil
GP
Grain Capacity. Cubic capacity in 'grain'
GR
Geographical Rotation. Ports in order of calling
GRD
Geared
GRT
Gross Registered Tonnage
GSB
Good, Safe Berth
GSP
Good, Safe Port
GTEE
Guarantee
GUNWALE
The upper edge of a ship's sides
2H
Second Half
HA
Hatch
HAGUE RULES
Code of minimum conditions for the carriage of cargo under a Bill of Lading
HATCH
An opening in a ship's deck fitted with a watertight cover
HBF
Harmless Bulk Fertilizer
HDLTSBENDS
Half Despatch Lay Time Saved Both Ends
HDWTS
Half Despatch Working (or Weather) Time Saved
HHDW
Handy Heavy d.w. (Scrap)
HIRE
T/C Remuneration
HMS
Heavy Metal Scraps
HO
Hold
HOLD
A compartment below deck in a large vessel, used solely for carrying cargo
HULL
The main body of a ship
HW
High Water
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
IMDG
International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code
IMO
International Maritime Organisation
IN &/OR OVER
Goods carried below and/or on deck
IND
Indication
INTERMODAL
Carriage of a commodity by different modes of transport, i.e. sea, road, rail and air within a single journey
INCOTERMS
(Refer to comments in covering statement on front page A-F)
ITF
International Transport Workers Federation (Trade Unions). Complies on crewing
ITINERARY
Route.Schedule
IU
If Used
IUHTAUTC
If Used, Half Time Actually To Count
IWL
Institute Warranty Limits
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
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 2.0 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
Laycan (Layday Cancelling Date)
LAYTIME
Time at Charterers disposal for purpose of loading/discharging
L/C
Letter of Credit
LCR
Lowest Current Rate
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
LNG
Liquefied Natural Gas
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
LOI
Letter of Indemnity
LONGITUDE
The distance in degrees east or west of the meridian at Greenwich, England
LOW
Last Open Water
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
LT1
Liner Terms
LT2
Long Ton = 1,016.05 kilogram (2,240 lbs)
LTHH
Liner Terms Hook/Hook
LW
Low Water
LYCN
Laycan (Layday Cancelling Date)

MANIFEST
Inventory of cargo on board
MB
Merchant Broker
MDO (DO)
Marine Diesel Oil
MIDSHIP
Approximately in the location equally distant from the bow and stern
MIN/MAX
Minimum/Maximum (cargo quantity)
MOA
Memorandum of Agreement
MOLCHOPT
More or Less Charterers Option
MOLOO
More or Less Owners Option
MOORING
An arrangement for securing a ship to a mooring buoy or pier
MT
Mertic Tonne (i.e. 1,000 kilos)
M/V
Motor Vessel / Merchant Vessel
NAABSA
Not Always Afloat But Safely Aground
NM
Nautical Mile. One minute of latitude; approximately 6,076 feet - about 1/8 longer than the statute mile of 5,280 feet
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
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 Restricted Tonnage
NYPE
New York Produce Exchange
OO
Owners Option
OBO
Ore/Bulk/Oil Vessel
OSH
Open Shelter Deck
OVERBOARD
Over the side or out of the ship
OWS
Owners
P&I
Protection and Indemnity Insurance
PASTUS
Past Us
PC
Period of Charter
PCGO
Part Cargo
PCT
Percent
PDPR
Per Day Pro Rata
PERDIEM
By the Day
PER SE
By Itself
PHPD
Per Hatch Per Day
PLIMSOLL MARK
alt.
PLIMSOLL LINE
alt.
LOAD 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 location. From where Plimsoll Shipping derived its name.

PORT
The left side of a ship looking forward. A harbour.
PRATIQUE
Licence or permission to use a port
PREAMBLE
Introduction to a charter party
PROFORMA
Estimated Account
PUS
Plus Us
PWWD
Per Weather Working Day
RCVR
Receiver
RECAP
Recapitulation of the terms and conditions agreed
REVERSIBLE
(Detention). If loading completed sooner than expected at load port, then days saved can be added to discharge operations.
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 by the freight rate.
SATPM
Saturday P.M.
SB
Safe Berth
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.)
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
SHINC
Sundays/Holidays Included
SHEX
Sundays/Holidays Excluded
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.
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
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
SRBL
Signing and Releasing Bill of Lading
SSHEX
Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays Excluded
SSHINC (or SATSHINC)
Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays Included
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.
STEM
Subject to Enough Merchandise (Availability of cargo). Also, the forward most part of the bow.
STERN
The aformost or after part of a ship
SUB
Subject (to). Depending upon as a condition
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
THWARTSHIPS
At right angles to the centreline of the ship
TIDE
The periodic rise and fall of water level in the oceans
TIME BAR
Time after which legal claims will not be entered
TBN
To Be Named / To Be Nominated
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
TEU
Standard 20' Container
TOPSIDES
The sides of a ship between the waterline and the deck; sometimes referring to onto or above the deck
TRIM
Fore and aft balance of a ship
TTL
Total
TW
Tween Decker
USC
Unless Sooner Commenced
UU
Unless Used
UUIWCTAUTC
Unless Used In Which Case Time Actually Used To Count
VPD
Vessel Pays Dues
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
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
WLTOHC
Water Line-To-Hatch Coaming
WOG
Without Guarantee
WP
Weather Permitting. That time during which weather prevents working shall not count as laytime
WPD
Weather Permitting Day

WWD
Weather Working Day
WRIC
Wire Rods In Collis
WWR
When, Where Ready
WWWW
Wibon, Wccon, Wifpon, Wipon
YAR
York Antwerp Rules
YAW
To swing or steer off course, as when running with a quartering sea
Z
UTC = GMT