BROKEN STOWAGE Meaning and
Definition
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Broken stowage refers to the condition in which cargo is inefficiently packed or improperly arranged within the cargo hold of a vessel, resulting in wasted space or voids. It refers to the inadequate utilization of available space and volume due to the irregular or inefficient arrangement of cargo.
When cargo is stowed haphazardly or without proper consideration for its shape and size, gaps or voids may be created within the cargo hold. These voids can significantly reduce the efficiency of the ship's storage capacity. Broken stowage can occur when cargo is not stacked properly, resulting in spaces that are left vacant or uneven. This can lead to less cargo being loaded than the maximum capacity of the ship allows.
There are several reasons why broken stowage may occur, including the varying sizes and shapes of different types of cargo, insufficient planning or calculations by the ship's crew, or inadequate securing of the cargo to prevent shifting during voyage.
Broken stowage can have negative consequences for both shipowners and cargo owners. For shipowners, it can reduce their revenue potential as less cargo can be loaded, resulting in lost income. Cargo owners may also suffer as broken stowage can increase transportation costs and potentially lead to damaged or lost cargo.
To minimize broken stowage, experienced cargo planners and stowage engineers are employed to effectively arrange and secure cargo within the ship's hold, optimizing space utilization and ensuring the safe transportation of goods by sea.
Etymology of BROKEN STOWAGE
The term "broken stowage" originates from the maritime industry. It is a nautical phrase used to describe the inefficiency or irregularity in the arrangement of cargo within a ship's storage area (hold).
The word "broken" in this context means "irregular" or "not uniform", indicating that the cargo is not stacked or arranged uniformly, leaving gaps or uneven distribution. "Stowage" refers to the process of packing and arranging cargo on a ship, ensuring it is safely secured and balanced to maintain stability during the voyage.
The etymology of the individual words is as follows:
- "Broken" comes from the Middle English word "broken", derived from the Old English word "brocen", meaning "fractured" or "irregular".
