Net Tonnage (NT)
A volume-based measure of the space available for cargo and passengers, derived from gross tonnage.
- Category
- Vessel Size and Tonnage
- Abbreviation
- NT
- Last reviewed
How it works
Net tonnage (NT) estimates the useful earning volume of a ship (the cargo and passenger spaces) by deducting non-revenue volumes (engine room, crew accommodation, navigation spaces) from gross tonnage under the tonnage convention formula.
Like GT it is dimensionless, not a weight. NT is widely used to assess port dues and canal tolls because it is meant to reflect the commercial capacity of the vessel.
Where it shows up on The Maritime
Also known as: NT, net tons, net registered tonnage.
Related terms
Gross Tonnage (GT)
A dimensionless measure of a ship’s total internal volume, used for regulation, manning and port-due calculations.
Deadweight Tonnage (DWT)
The total weight a ship can carry (cargo plus fuel, stores, crew and water) at her load line, in metric tonnes.
More vessel size and tonnage terms
A plain-English reference definition: our own explanation of a standard shipping concept, not a licensed source or legal advice. See the full glossary or the broader maritime dictionary.
Last reviewed: .