A
Ship Stability: Area, generally.
A & CP
Anchors and chains proved
A Square Meal
In good weather, crews' mess was a warm meal served on square wooden platters.
A/B
Able bodied seaman, a member of the crew who is able to perform all duties of an experienced seaman.
A/C
Account or Air Changes. Account. This term is used when referring to a bank account and when allocating costs, such as in the phrase “for the a/c of charterers”
ACC/EXC
Term used by either the shipowner’s broker or the prospective charterer’s broker during the negotiations for the charter of a ship to signify that an offer or counter-offer is accepted apart from certain clauses or details. These are then listed together with the amendments sought.
A/E
Accept/Except. Term used by either the shipowner’s broker or the prospective charterer’s broker during the negotiations for the charter of a ship to signify that an offer or counter-offer is accepted apart from certain clauses or details. These are then listed together with the amendments sought.
A/F
Also for (referring to port/s to be touched by ship)
A/R
All risks or Against all risks
A/R
Arrived or Antwerp - Rotterdam range
A/S
Account sales or Alongside or After sight
AA
Always afloat or Always accessible or Apparent altitude
AAAA
Always afloat always accessible
AAC
Alaska Administrative Code
AAGR
Average Annual Growth Rate
AAOSA
Always afloat or safely aground
AAPA
American Association of Port Authority
AAR
Against all risks or All and any risk
AARA
Amsterdam-Antwerp-Rotterdam Area
AASO
Association of American Shipowners
AB
Above bridges or Answer Back
Abaft
A point beyond the midpoint of a ship’s length, towards the rear or stern.
Abandon
A proceeding wherein a shipper/consignee seeks authority to abandon all or parts of their cargo.
Abatement
A discount allowed for damage or overcharge in the payment of a bill.
ABCU
Automated Bridge Control System For Unattended Engine Room
ABI
U.S. Customs’ “Automated Broker Interface,” by which brokers file importers’ entries electronically.
Aboard
Referring to cargo being put, or laden, onto a means of conveyance.
Above Board
Anything on or above the open deck. If something is open and in plain view, it is above board.
Above deck
On the deck (not over it – see ALOFT)
ABS
American Bureau Of Shipping. A Classification Society. Under the provisions of the U.S. Load-Line Acts - it has the authority to assign load lines to vessels registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Absolute Viscosity
An observation of liquid's rate of flow under pressure applied to neutralize density's influence. This property, sometimes called dynamic viscosity, converts to kinematical viscosity by division. With density ex-pressed in gramscm, centistokes the units of kinematical viscosity, and centipoises the units of absolute viscosity. Centipoisesdensity = centistokes
Absorption
One carrier assumes the charges of another without any increase in charges to the shipper.
Abt
About. A conditional term used in qualifying cargo, time, bunkers or speed, when discussing cargo. “about” usually covers a margin of 5 % either way (i.e. 25,000 LT 5% more or less, at owner’s option); when referring to a period of time, usually 15 days, although each case is considered on its own merit, In connection with bunkers, “about” has been interpreted to mean 5% latitude; regarding speed, the tolerance is generally one half knot.
ACC
American Chemistry Council
Accelerated Corrosion Test
Corrosion test carried out under more severe conditions that will yield results in a shorter time than in service
Acceptance
A time draft (or bill of exchange) that the drawee (payer) has accepted and is unconditionally obligated to pay at maturity. Broadly speaking, any agreement to purchase goods under specified terms.
Accessorial Charges
Charges that are applied to the base tariff rate or base contract rate, e.g., bunkers, container, currency, destination/delivery.
Accommodation Ladder
A term applied to a portable flight of steps suspended over the side of a vessel from a gangway to a point near the water, providing any easy means of access from a small boat. Accommodation Ladders are usually supplied with two platforms, one at each end. Sometimes called gangway ladder.
Accommodation Platform, jack up
A jack up offshore accommodation platform
Accommodation Platform, semi submersible
A semi submersible offshore accommodation platform
Accommodation Ship
A vessel providing accommodation for those working on other vessels and installations
Accommodation Vessel, Stationary
A stationary accommodation vessel
Accomplished Bill of Lading
Original Bill of Lading which has been surrendered to the carrying ship at the discharge port in exchange for the goods.
Acetaldehyde
An aldehyde used as a starting material in the synthesis of acetic acid, n-butyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, and other chemical compounds.
Acetate
An ester formed from acetic acid and an alcohol
Acetic acid
Acetic acid is a key organic intermediate used in the preparation of metal acetates, used in some printing processes; vinyl acetate; acetic anhydride, and volatile organic esters, such as ethyl and butyl acetates.
Acetic anhydride
The most important of the organic anhydrides, used to manufacture pain-relieving pharmaceuticals (aspirin, paracetamol), modified starches, emulsifiers, liquid crystal polymers, dyestuffs and cellulose acetate, a major ingredient in photographic films and textiles.
Acetone
An organic solvent of industrial and chemical significance, acetone is capable of dissolving many fats, resins and cellulose esters. It is used extensively in the manufacture of artificial fibers and explosives, as a chemical intermediate in pharmaceuticals, and as a solvent for vinyl and acrylic resins, lacquers, paints, inks, cosmetics (such as nail polish remover), and varnishes. It is used in the preparation of paper coatings, adhesives, and is also employed as a starting material in the synthesis of many compounds.
Acetyl
Any chemical compound with an acetate group.
ACGIH
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. This organization includes professionals in government and education involved in occupational safety and health programs. One important function of this group is the determination and publication of recommended occupational exposure limits for chemical substances.
Acid
Any substance that in water solution tastes sour, changes the color of certain indicators, promotes certain chemical reactions, etc.. Examples of acids include inorganic substances such as sulfuric, nitric, and phosphoric acids, and organic compounds such as citric or maleic acid.
Acid Oil
Acid oil is a general term for a by-product obtained from the alkali refining of oils and fats. During alkali refining the free fatty acids are neutralised with alkali and this soapstock containing some emulsified neutral oil is separated. Acidification of the soapstock gives acid oil. Main components of acids oils are fatty acids, neutral oil and moisture. Acid oil requires further refining/purification before it is suitable for use in laundry soaps and washing powders.
Acid Pre-Treatment
The crude oil or fat is pre-treated with phosphoric acid or citric acid to remove impurities such as gums, mucilaginous materials and phosphatides present. Also referred to as "degumming", it is essential since it removes impurities which would otherwise give a highly coloured product.
Acid Value
This is defined as the number of milligrams of potassium hydroxide required to neutralise the free fatty acids in one gram of fat. Since acid value is an indication of the extent of hydrolysis and deterioration, oils with low acid value are sought after.
Acidity
Free fatty acids have, as the name implies, a weak acidic nature. There will be a naturally occurring level of these present in each oil and levels can be further increased by hydrolysis (water breakdown) of triglyceride. The level of acidity may be expressed in several ways (please refer to Acid Value and Free Fatty Acids).
Acidulate soapstock (Acid Oil)
Soapstock, which contains mainly soaps and entrained neutral oil, is treated with sulphuric acid and heated to decompose the soaps. This produces a layer of oil of high free fatty acid content (acid oil) and an aqueous phase which is separated and treated prior to discharge as an effluent. The acid oils can be used in animal feeds as they possess high calorific values.
ACOT
Advisory Committee of Offshore Technology
ACP
African, Caribbean, Pacific countries
Acquiescence
When a bill of lading is accepted or signed by a shipper or shipper’s agent without protest, the shipper is said to acquiesce to the terms, giving a silent form of consent.
Acquittance
A written receipt in full, in discharge from all claims.
Acrylate elastomer
In latex paints, textile applications (backcoating), emulsion polymers for paper coating; as pulp additives, in floor polishes & sealants (resinous & polymeric coatings), in adhesives.
Acrylic acid
Acrylic acid and the basic alkyl esters (methyl, ethyl, butyl and 2-ethylhexyl esters) are important monomers used for the manufacture of polymer dispersions, adhesives, flocculants, detergents, varnishes, fibers and plastics as well as chemical intermediates.
Acrylic esters
When polymerized, acrylic esters, esters derived from acrylic acid, are the film-forming components of acrylic paints, coatings, textiles, adhesives, plastics and other applications.
Acrylic fibers
Acrylic fibers are artificial, thermoplastic fibers made from acrylonitrile. Fabrics produced from acrylic fibers wash and dry easily
Acrylonitrile
Acrylonitrile is a chemical intermediate used in acrylic fibers, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), SAN (styrene-acrylonitrile) and NBR (nitrile-butadiene-rubber).
ACS
American Chemical Society or Arab Classification Society
ACS or ACE
U.S. Customs’ master computer system, “Automated Commercial Systems.” Now being replaced by the Automated Commercial Environment system.
Act of God
An act beyond human control, such as lightning, flood or earthquake.
Activation
Changing the condition of steel from passive to active
Activation Potential
The electrode potential at which a steel is changed from passive to active condition
Active State
state of a corroding metal surface which is below the passivation potential and associated with uniform corrosion
Activity
The level of catalyst's ability to do its work. The scale descends from fresh (full capacity right from the box or rejuvenator) to spent (coated, poisoned, or other wise neutralized.)
Actual condition
Ship Stability: A condition of the vessel that is observed.
Actual specifications
The quality reports on a specific parcel of fuel or feedstock. Such specifications do not constitute guarantees on the oil unless the seller says so. But they give a good description of the product available aboard a vessel or in a storage tank.
Acute
A short term period of action measured in seconds, minutes, hours, or days
Acute (aquatic) toxicity
Adverse effects that occur rapidly as a result of a short-term exposure to a chemical or physical agent. In fish or other aquatic organisms, effects that occur within a few hours, days or weeks are considered acute. Generally, acute effects are severe, the most common one measured in aquatic organisms being mortality. A chemical is considered acutely toxic if by its direct action it kills 50% or more of the exposed population of test organisms in a relatively short period of time, such as 24-96h to 14d.
Acute Effects of Overexposure
Refers to the adverse effects that normally are evident immediately or shortly after exposure to a hazardous material without implying a degree of severity
Acute toxicity
Adverse effects produced by single exposure to substance
Ad Valorem
A term from Latin meaning, “according to value.” Import duty applied as a percentage of the cargo’s dutiable value.
Ad valorum
Means “at Value” a rate of freight based on the value of the goods.
AD.VAL.
According to value (ad valorem)
AD VAL FRT
Ad Valorem Freight. Freight calculated on the value of the goods, expressed as a percentage thereof.
ADCOM
Address Commission. Commission payable by the shipowner to the charterer. The reason for this system is sometimes said to be that the charterer’s shipping department for bookkeeping purposes must show some kind of income from their activities. State trading countries regularly include a 5% address commission in their orders.
ADCOM or ADDCOMM
Address Commission. Commission payable by the shipowner to the charterer. The reason for this system is sometimes said to be that the charterer’s shipping department for bookkeeping purposes must show some kind of income from their activities. State trading countries regularly include a 5% address commission in their orders.
Added Weight Method
Ship Stability: A method of solving for damage stability where the water that enters the vessel is considered an added weight.
Addendum
Additional chartering terms at the end of a charter party
Additives
In many plastic products, the polymer is only one constituent. In order to arrive at a set of properties appropriate to the product, the polymer is almost always combined with other ingredients, or additives, which are mixed in during processing and fabrication. Among these additives are impact modifiers, colorants, reinforcements, plasticizers and stabilizers. See also plastics and conversion.
Additional Demurrage
Amount of money paid to the shipowner by the voyage charterer, shipper or receiver, as the case may be, for failing to complete loading or discharging before the agreed period of free time has expired. The daily rate of additional demurrage is agreed in the Charter-Party.
Additional Freight
Extra charge imposed in accordance with the contract of carriage by a shipping line on the shipper, receiver or Bill of Lading holder, as the case may be, for additional expenses incurred in discharging the cargo. This charge generally applies when the port stipulated in the contract is inaccessible or when the discharge there would result in unreasonable delay to the ship: under these circumstances, the shipping line may have an option under the contract of carriage to proceed to another port of discharge the cargo where extra costs may be incurred.
ADEC
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
ADF
automotive diesel fuel
ADF&G
Alaska Department of Fish and Game (State Agency)
Adm
Admiralty: Refers to marine matters such as an Admiralty Court.
Administrative Law Judge
A representative of a government commission or agency vested with power to administer oaths, examine witnesses, take testimony, and conduct hearings of cases submitted to, or initiated by, that agency. Also called Hearing Examiner.
ADNR
The transport of dangerous goods on the River Rhine and most inland waterways in Europe is regulated by ADNR.
Advance
To move cargo up line to a vessel leaving sooner than the one booked. (See also Roll.)
Advanced Charge
Transportation charge advanced by one carrier to another to be collected by the later carrier from the consignor or consignee.
Advance Freight
Freight payable at a time agreed by the shipowner and the shipper, before the goods are delivered at the place of destination in the contract of carriage.
Advance on Freight
Money advances by the shipper to the master of a ship to pay for his disbursements while in port. It is often repaid by deduction from freight.
Advanced Notice of Arrival (ANOA)
Any vessel entering United States waters from a foreign port is required to give a 96–hour ANOV. Any vessel of 300 gross registered tonnage and greater is required to give the ANOA to the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Vessel Movement Center. Any vessel under 300 gross registered tons is required to give the ANOA to the appropriate Captain of the Port.
Adopted Charter
If a charter “agreed” in that way following negotiations between, for instance, BIMCO and one or more groups representing charterers is officially supported by another association of shipowners, for instance, the Chamber of Shipping of the United Kingdom, it is stated that the Chamber of Shipping of the United Kingdom has “ adopted” the charter; or on the other hand, if BIMCO wants to support one or the other charter negotiated and “agreed” between the Chamber of Shipping of the United Kingdom and one or more groups of charterers, then it is stated that the charter has been adopted by BIMCO. Moreover, a document issued by an organization of shipowners, for instance INTERTANKO, for use in a special trade without having actually been “agreed” with any particular group of charterers, may be adopted by BIMCO. An adopted document is compulsory for the members of the organization who have adopted it if it is an “agreed” document.
Adrift
Floating at random; not fastened by and kind of mooring; at the mercy of winds and currents; loose from normal anchorage. A vessel is said to be adrift when she breaks away from her moorings, wharfs, and so on.
Adventure
Shipment of goods on shipper’s own account. A bill of adventure is a document signed by the master of the ship that carries goods at owner’s risk. Also, a term used in some insurance policies to mean a voyage or a shipment.
Advice of Shipment
A notice sent to a local or foreign buyer advising that shipment has gone forward and containing details of packing, routing, etc. A copy of the invoice is often enclosed and, if desired, a copy of the bill of lading.
Advising Bank
A bank operating in the seller’s country that handles letters of credit on behalf of a foreign bank.
AECC
Association for Emissions Control by Catalyst, an association affiliated to Cefic.
AF
All Fast or Advance Freight
AFCSPS
Arrival first compulsory sea pilot station
AFFREIGHTMENT
The hiring of a ship in whole or part
Affreightment, Contract of
An agreement by an ocean carrier to provide cargo space on a vessel at a specified time and for a specified price to accommodate an exporter or importer.
AFMT
After fixing main terms
AFRA
Average Freight Rate Assessments. A monthly estimate of tanker rates issued by London tanker brokers, AFRA, quoted on a Worldscale basis, assists large oil companies' internal accounting, provides a freight element for some netback deals, and serves other purposes somewhat removed for the daily tanker business.
AFRAMAX
AFRA - (Average Freight Rate Assessment) designed for carrying For bulk crude oil in tanks (80,000 dwt - 125,000 dwt)
Aframax Tanker
A vessel of 70,000 to 119,000 DWT capacity. The largest tanker size in the AFRA (average freight rate assessment) tanker rate system.
AFSPS
Arrival First Sea Pilot Station
AFT, after
The foremost part of the ship. Toward the stern or the back of the vessel. Between the stern and the midship section of the vessel
after Body
The section of the vessel aft of amidships
After Perpendicular
Ship Stability: Usually established at the intersection of the design waterline and the vessels rudder stock or stern post
AG
Arabian Gulf - also called PG - Persian Gulf
Agent
Agent: A person authorized to transact business for and in the name of another person or company. Types of agents are: (1) brokers (2) commission merchants (3) resident buyers (4) sales agents (5) manufacturer’s representatives
Agency Clause
Clause in Charter-Party, which stipulates whether the ship’s agent at the loading and / or discharging ports are to be nominated by the shipowner or the charterer.
Agency fee
Fee payable by the shipowner or ship operator to a port agent, whose duties may include arranging a berth with the port authority, ordering pilots, tugs and labor, entering the ship in at Customs and collecting freight.
Agency Tariff
A tariff published by an agent on behalf of several carriers.
Agent or Ship's Agent
Person looking after the interests of a ship whiøe in port. Duties include organising pilotage, towage and berth for the ship, collecting freight and signing bills of lading
Aggregate Shipment
Numerous shipments from different shippers to one consignee that are consolidated and treated as a single consignment.
Aggregates Carrier
A single deck cargo vessel for the carriage of aggregates in bulk. Also known as a Sand Carrier. May be self discharging
Agreed charter
The charter has been agreed between BIMCO (or The Chamber of Shipping of the United Kingdom or Cornite Central des Armateurs de France or other associations of shipowners) with one ore more groups of charterers or other institutions (for instance, the Polish Coal Charter Committee, the Timber Trade Federation of the United Kingdom, the Syndicat National du Commerce Exterieur de Cereales, Paris or CMEA, Moscow). The printed conditions of an “agreed” charter must not be altered or deleted without the express approval of the organizations who have agreed the charter, An “agreed” document is compulsory for the trade for which it is intended, e.x. the sugar trade.
Agreed valuation
The value of a shipment agreed upon in order to secure a specific freight rate.
Agreed Weight
The weight prescribed by agreement between carrier and shipper for goods shipped in certain packages or in a certain number.
AGRIPODS
Agricultural products
Agrochemical
A chemical, such as a hormone, fungicide, or insecticide, that improves or protects the production of crops.
Aground
Touching or fast to the bottom
Agt.
Agent: A person authorized to transact business for and in the name of another person or company. Types of agents are: (1) brokers (2) commission merchants (3) resident buyers (4) sales agents (5) manufacturer’s representatives
AGW WP
All going well weather permitting
AH
Range of ports between and including Antwerp and Hamburg
AHL
Australian hold ladders
AHTS
Anchor Handling Towage and Supply-vessels which supply oil rigs, tow them to location and anchor them up. They can also be used for supply roles.
AID
Agency for International Development
Aids to Navigation
Artificial objects to supplement natural landmarks indicating safe and unsafe waters
AIMS
American Institute of Merchant Shipping
Air Cushion Vehicle Crew Boat
An air cushioned vehicle or hovercraft specifically designed as a crew boat
Air Cushion Vehicle Passenger
An air cushion vehicle or hovercraft used for the purpose of transporting passengers
Air Cushion Vehicle Passenger/Ro-Ro Ship (Vehicles)
An air cushion vehicle or hovercraft used for the purpose of transporting passengers and ro-ro vehicles
Air Cushion Vehicle Patrol Vessel
An air cushion vehicle or hovercraft used as a patrol vessel (perhaps change to work vessel)
Air Cushion Vehicle Research
An air cushioned vehicle or hovercraft specifically designed as a research vessel
Air Cushion Vehicle, work vessel
An air cushioned vehicle or hovercraft specifically designed as a work vessel
Air Draft
The distance between the surface of navigable water, such as a channel, and the lowest point on some obstruction above it, a bridge for instance. A ship cannot use a waterway if it needs more vertical clearance than available. This consideration prevents certain tankers from reaching some terminals.
Air Draft
Ship Stability: The vertical distance from the vessel's actual waterline upward to a point on the vessel.
Air Waybill
The forwarding agreement or carrying agreement between shipper and air carrier and is issued only in nonnegotiable form.
Aircraft Carrier
A combat vessel designed to enable the carriage, take off and landing of aircraft
AIS
Automatic Identification System - Real-time ship identification. All ships of 300 gross tonnage and upwards engaged on international voyages and cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage and upwards not engaged on international voyages and passenger ships irrespe
AL
Action Level. Certain OSHA regulations take effect if this exposure level is reached. These regulations include workplace air analysis, employee training, medical monitoring, and record keeping. This level is about half of the permissible exposure limit.
Alcohol resistant foam
A foam that is resistant to "polar" chemicals such as ketones and esters which may break down other types of foam.
Alcohol Tanker
A tanker for the bulk carriage of alcohol
Alcohols
Alcohols are amongst the most common organic compounds. Well-known alcohols include methanol (methyl alcohol, or wood alcohol), ethanol (ethyl alcohol, or grain alcohol) and isopropyl alcohol (the common alcohol known as rubbing alcohol and used as a germicide). Alcohols are also valuable as intermediates in the synthesis of other compounds.
Aldehyde
An important starting material and intermediate in organic synthesis. Many aldehydes of industrial significance are used as solvents, perfumes, and flavoring agents or as intermediates in the manufacture of plastics, dyes, and pharmaceuticals.
Aliphatic
Any organic compound in which the main structure is a chain of carbon atoms joined to each other is classified as being aliphatic.
Alkali
A substance having a pH between 7 and 14
Alkali Refining
The traded quality of oils and fats is determined primarily by the level of free fatty acids present. In crude oils, this may be as low as 0.5% as in soya, or as high as 6.0% as in the case of palm oil. Removal of this impurity is the major source of calculable loss during processing. The term "alkali refining" is applied to the process in which the free fatty acid is reduced chemically by reacting the free acid with an aqueous alkali, forming the alkali metal soap which is then removed by settling or centrifuging.
Alkryd Resin
The reaction product of polyols, diacids, acids and anhydrides used primarily in the surface coating industry in which fatty acids, oils and glycerine are used to impart properties, e.g. chemical resistance, hardness, drying speed and flexibility.
Alkyl benzene
One of the most important organic raw material for the production of synthetic detergents.
Alkylate
A high-quality motor gasoline component made by combining isobutene and propylene or butylene. Butylene alkylate has a particularly high motor octane rating which suits it well for blending lead-free grades of automobile fuel and aviation gasoline. Both butylene and propylene alkylate boil fairly low in the gasoline range. This characteristic makes them good “front-end” octane.
Alkylation
Olefins such as propylene and butylene are produced by catalytic and thermal cracking. Alkylation refers to the process using sulfuric or hydro-fluoric acid as a catalyst to combine these olefins with isobutane to produce a high octane product known as alkylate.
Alkylation unit
A piece of refining equipment that combines isobutane and an olefinic stream, usually butylene-rich, to make motor alkylate.
Alkylphenol
Alkylphenol is produced using phenol as a starting material. It is mainly used as a stabilizer for rubbers and plastics, as a surfactant, as an industrial detergent, and in the mining and textile industries.
All at Sea
This dates to the time when accurate navigational aids weren’t available. Any ship that was out of sight of land was in an uncertain position and in danger of becoming lost..
All In
The total price to move cargo from origin to destination, inclusive of all charges.
All in rate
Freight rate which is inclusive of all surcharges and extras. This type of freight rate is to be found in the liner trade.
ALLI
Annual Load Line Inspection
Allision
When a moving vessel strikes a fixed object.
Allow laytime
The number of hours allowed for loading and discharging a cargo as stipulated in a Charter Party.
Aloft
Above the deck of the ship
