GROSS TONNAGE Meaning and
Definition
-
Gross tonnage, in the context of maritime transportation and shipping, refers to a measurement used to denote the overall size or capacity of a ship. It is a standardized metric that helps determine numerous factors such as the vessel's registration, classification, taxes, and fees. Gross tonnage is calculated by adding the ship's internal volume, including all enclosed spaces and structures, while excluding areas such as engine and fuel compartments.
This measurement is often expressed in "gross tons" or "GT." It should not be confused with a ship's weight or mass, as it solely refers to the ship's total volume. Gross tonnage is a crucial metric used internationally to determine a ship's regulatory obligations and limitations. It is utilized by maritime authorities around the world to ensure safety compliance and promote fair practices in the shipping industry.
The concept of gross tonnage dates back to the 19th century when it was originally developed as a means to apply taxes and tariffs on merchant ships. Over time, it has evolved and adapted to reflect technological advancements, enabling fair comparison between various types of vessels regardless of their design and purposes. Gross tonnage provides a standardized basis that assists in ship classification, setting standards for crew requirements, and adhering to various safety regulations.
Common Misspellings for GROSS TONNAGE
- fross tonnage
- vross tonnage
- bross tonnage
- hross tonnage
- yross tonnage
- tross tonnage
- geoss tonnage
- gdoss tonnage
- gfoss tonnage
- gtoss tonnage
- g5oss tonnage
- g4oss tonnage
- griss tonnage
- grkss tonnage
- grlss tonnage
- grpss tonnage
- gr0ss tonnage
- gr9ss tonnage
- groas tonnage
- grozs tonnage
Etymology of GROSS TONNAGE
The word "gross tonnage" has its roots in the old French word "tonoier", which means "to measure in tons". From there, it evolved into the Middle English word "tunnage", which referred to the capacity or measurement of a ship in tunnage or tons. Over time, the spelling of the word changed to "tonnage", retaining the same meaning. The word "gross" was added to the term in the mid-19th century to distinguish it from "net tonnage" and indicate the entire volume or capacity of a ship, including all spaces, compartments, and areas used for carrying cargo, passengers, or crew. Thus, "gross tonnage" refers to the total internal volume of space available on a vessel.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
