The volume in cubic metres or cubic feet occupied by one metric tonne of a particular cargo when stowed in a vessel's hold. The stowage factor determines whether a vessel will be full by weight or by volume and is critical for cargo planning.
Category: Cargo & Trade
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Letter of CreditA financial instrument issued by a bank on behalf of a buyer guaranteeing payment to the seller upon presentation of specified shipping documents, including the bill of lading.ManifestA comprehensive document listing all cargo carried on a vessel for a particular voyage, including descriptions, quantities, weights, shippers, and consignees.Spot RateThe current market price for chartering a vessel or shipping cargo for immediate or near-term loading, as opposed to long-term contract rates.SupercargoA person employed by the cargo owner or charterer to travel on a vessel and oversee the loading, stowage, care, and discharge of the cargo.TEUTwenty-foot Equivalent Unit, a standard measure of container ship capacity based on the dimensions of a standard 20-foot intermodal container (approximately 6.1 metres long, 2.44 metres wide, and 2.59 metres high).Time CharterA charter party agreement in which the shipowner provides a manned and equipped vessel to the charterer for a specified period.
Back to DictionaryEntry updated May 2026