Introduction to Vessel Performance Management
Expert-defined terms from the Certificate in Vessel Performance Management (India) course at HealthCareStudies (An LSPM brand). Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Aframax #
Aframax is a type of oil tanker, and the term is derived from the Average Freight Rate Assessment Maximum, which refers to the size of the tanker, with a capacity of 80,000 to 120,000 deadweight tons. Related terms include oil tanker, deadweight tons, and ship size. The Aframax tanker is designed to pass through the majority of the world's ports and canals, making it a popular choice for oil transportation. For example, the Strait of Malacca and the Suez Canal are two of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, and Aframax tankers are well-suited to navigate these routes.
Air Draft #
Air draft refers to the vertical distance from the waterline to the highest point of a vessel, including any antennas or masts. Related terms include keel, freeboard, and deck height. The air draft is an important consideration for vessels navigating under bridges or through canals, as it determines the minimum clearance required. For instance, the air draft of a vessel will determine whether it can pass under a particular bridge, and this information is critical for safe navigation.
Anchor #
An anchor is a weight attached to a rope or chain that is used to moor or secure a vessel in place. Related terms include anchorage, mooring, and towing. Anchors come in different types, including grapnel, fluke, and claw anchors, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, a grapnel anchor is often used in rocky or weedy areas, while a fluke anchor is better suited for muddy or sandy bottoms.
Ballast #
Ballast refers to the weight or material used to stabilize a vessel, either by adding weight to the hull or by adjusting the buoyancy of the vessel. Related terms include ballast tank, stability, and trim. Ballast can be used to counteract the weight of cargo or to improve the stability of the vessel in rough seas. For instance, a vessel carrying a heavy load of cargo may need to add ballast to stabilize the vessel and prevent capsizing.
Barge #
A barge is a flat-bottomed vessel designed for carrying heavy or bulky cargo, often used for inland or coastal transportation. Related terms include tugboat, barge fleet, and inland waterway. Barges can be self-propelled or towed by a tugboat, and are often used for transporting grain, coal, or construction materials. For example, a barge may be used to transport heavy equipment or materials to a construction site located on a river or coastal area.
Berth #
A berth refers to a designated location where a vessel can moor or dock, often in a port or harbor. Related terms include mooring, docking, and anchorage. Berths can be allocated to vessels based on their size, type, or priority, and may be equipped with cranes, winches, or other cargo-handling equipment. For instance, a vessel may be assigned to a specific berth in a port based on its size and type of cargo it is carrying.
Bill of Lading #
A bill of lading is a document that serves as a receipt for goods shipped on a vessel, and outlines the terms and conditions of the shipment. Related terms include shipping contract, invoice, and customs declaration. The bill of lading is an important document that provides proof of ownership and title to the goods being shipped. For example, a bill of lading may be used to verify the contents of a shipment and to determine the value of the goods being shipped.
Bollard #
A bollard is a post or column used for mooring or securing a vessel to a dock or quay. Related terms include mooring line, cleat, and winch. Bollards can be fixed or movable, and may be equipped with rollers or fairleads to facilitate the mooring process. For instance, a bollard may be used to secure a vessel to a dock in a storm or rough seas.
Bunker #
A bunker refers to a storage tank or container used to hold fuel or oil on a vessel. Related terms include fuel tank, oil storage, and bunker capacity. Bunkers can be located on deck or below deck, and may be equipped with pumps, valves, and other fuel-handling equipment. For example, a vessel may have multiple bunkers to store different types of fuel or oil for use during operation.
Cape #
size! Cape-size refers to a type of bulk carrier vessel that is too large to pass through the canals of Panama or Suez, and must travel around the Cape of Good Hope to reach its destination. Related terms include bulk carrier, container ship, and supertanker. Cape-size vessels are often used for transporting coal, iron ore, or other bulk commodities. For instance, a cape-size vessel may be used to transport coal from mines in Australia to power plants in China.
Cargo #
Cargo refers to the goods or commodities being transported on a vessel, which can include containers, bulk cargo, or project cargo. Related terms include shipping contract, bill of lading, and customs declaration. Cargo can be dangerous, perishable, or valuable, and requires special handling and care during transportation. For example, a vessel may be carrying a shipment of perishable food that requires refrigeration during transport.
Certification #
Certification refers to the process of verifying that a vessel meets specific standards or regulations, such as those related to safety, security, or environmental protection. Related terms include compliance, inspection, and survey. Certification can be obtained through government agencies, classification societies, or independent third-party auditors. For instance, a vessel may need to obtain certification from a classification society to verify its compliance with international safety standards.
Charter #
A charter refers to a contract between a shipowner and a charterer that outlines the terms and conditions of the use of a vessel. Related terms include time charter, voyage charter, and bareboat charter. Charters can be short-term or long-term, and may include provisions for fuel, crew, and maintenance. For example, a charterer may hire a vessel for a specific voyage or for a period of time to transport goods or commodities.
Classification #
Classification refers to the process of assigning a rating or grade to a vessel based on its design, construction, and condition. Related terms include classification society, survey, and certification. Classification can be obtained through government agencies or independent third-party auditors, and is used to verify a vessel's compliance with international safety and environmental standards. For instance, a vessel may be classified as a passenger vessel or a cargo vessel based on its design and intended use.
Container #
A container refers to a standardized box or receptacle used to transport goods or commodities on a vessel. Related terms include container ship, intermodal transportation, and logistics. Containers can be 20 feet, 40 feet, or 45 feet in length, and may be equipped with refrigeration, ventilation, or other specialized features. For example, a container may be used to transport perishable goods such as food or flowers.
Deadweight #
Deadweight refers to the maximum weight of cargo, fuel, water, and stores that a vessel can carry safely. Related terms include tonnage, capacity, and stability. Deadweight is an important factor in determining a vessel's payload and revenue-earning potential. For instance, a vessel with a high deadweight capacity may be able to carry more cargo and generate more revenue than a vessel with a lower deadweight capacity.
Derrick #
A derrick is a type of crane or lifting device used to load or unload cargo on a vessel. Related terms include crane, winch, and hoist. Derricks can be fixed or portable, and may be equipped with booms, guys, or other lifting equipment. For example, a derrick may be used to load or unload heavy equipment or containers on a vessel.
Draft #
Draft refers to the vertical distance from the waterline to the bottom of a vessel's hull. Related terms include depth, keel, and freeboard. Draft is an important factor in determining a vessel's stability and maneuverability, and can be affected by the weight and distribution of cargo on the vessel. For instance, a vessel with a deep draft may be more stable in rough seas, but may also be more difficult to maneuver in shallow waters.
Dry Dock #
A dry dock is a type of dock or basin that can be flooded or drained to allow a vessel to be lifted out of the water for repairs or maintenance. Related terms include shipyard, repair yard, and maintenance facility. Dry docks can be used for routine maintenance, repairs, or major overhauls, and may be equipped with cranes, winches, or other lifting equipment. For example, a dry dock may be used to repair a vessel's propeller or hull damage.
EEDI #
EEDI refers to the Energy Efficiency Design Index, which is a measure of a vessel's energy efficiency and environmental impact. Related terms include energy efficiency, carbon footprint, and emissions reduction. The EEDI is used to evaluate a vessel's compliance with international regulations and standards for energy efficiency and environmental protection. For instance, a vessel with a low EEDI rating may be more energy-efficient and have a lower carbon footprint than a vessel with a higher EEDI rating.
Fathom #
A fathom is a unit of measurement equal to six feet, used to express the depth of water or the draft of a vessel. Fathoms are often used to calculate a vessel's stability and maneuverability, and can be affected by the weight and distribution of cargo on the vessel. For example, a vessel may have a draft of ten fathoms, which means it has a vertical distance of sixty feet from the waterline to the bottom of its
Flag State #
Flag state refers to the country or government under which a vessel is registered and operates. Related terms include flag, registration, and nationality. The flag state is responsible for enforcing regulations and standards for safety, security, and environmental protection, and may inspect vessels to verify compliance. For instance, a vessel registered in the United States is subject to U.S. regulations and standards for safety and environmental protection.
Freeboard #
Freeboard refers to the vertical distance from the main deck of a vessel to the waterline, which is an important factor in determining a vessel's stability and maneuverability. Related terms include depth, keel, and draft. Freeboard can be affected by the weight and distribution of cargo on the vessel, and is often used to calculate a vessel's stability and maneuverability. For example, a vessel with a high freeboard may be more stable in rough seas, but may also be more difficult to maneuver in shallow waters.
Gross Tonnage #
Gross tonnage refers to the total internal volume of a vessel, measured in tons. Related terms include net tonnage, deadweight tonnage, and displacement tonnage. Gross tonnage is used to calculate a vessel's size and capacity, and is often used to determine a vessel's registry and taxation. For instance, a vessel with a high gross tonnage may be subject to higher taxes and fees than a vessel with a lower gross tonnage.
Hatch #
A hatch is an opening in the deck of a vessel that provides access to the hold or cargo space below. Related terms include hatch cover, hold, and cargo space. Hatches can be used for loading or unloading cargo, and may be equipped with cranes, winches, or other lifting equipment. For example, a hatch may be used to load or unload containers or bulk cargo on a vessel.
Hold #
A hold refers to a compartment or space on a vessel used for storing or carrying cargo. Related terms include hatch, hold capacity, and cargo space. Holds can be used for carrying dry bulk cargo, liquid bulk cargo, or containerized cargo, and may be equipped with ventilation, heating, or cooling systems. For instance, a hold may be used to carry grain, coal, or other bulk commodities.
IMO #
IMO refers to the International Maritime Organization, which is a United Nations agency responsible for regulating and coordinating international shipping and maritime activities. Related terms include maritime law, shipping regulations, and international cooperation. The IMO is responsible for developing and implementing conventions and standards for safety, security, and environmental protection, and provides technical assistance and support to its member states. For example, the IMO has developed conventions and standards for safety equipment, navigational aids, and environmental protection.
Keel #
A keel refers to the bottom or centerline of a vessel's
Lightship #
Lightship refers to the weight of a vessel without any cargo, fuel, water, or stores on board. Related terms include deadweight, tonnage, and displacement. Lightship is an important factor in determining a vessel's payload and revenue-earning potential, and is often used to calculate a vessel's stability and maneuverability. For example, a vessel with a low lightship weight may be more fuel-efficient and have a lower operating cost than a vessel with a higher lightship weight.
Load Line #
A load line refers to a mark or line on a vessel's
Mooring #
Mooring refers to the process of securing a vessel to a dock, quay, or anchor using lines, chains, or other mooring equipment. Related terms include anchoring, towing, and docking. Mooring is an important safety procedure, and requires careful planning and execution to prevent damage to the vessel or injury to personnel. For example, a vessel may be moored to a dock using lines and winches, or may be anchored in a designated anchorage area.
Net Tonnage #
Net tonnage refers to the total internal volume of a vessel, measured in tons, minus the volume of non-revenue-earning spaces such as crew quarters and engine rooms. Related terms include gross tonnage, deadweight tonnage, and displacement tonnage. Net tonnage is used to calculate a vessel's size and capacity, and is often used to determine a vessel's registry and taxation. For example, a vessel with a high net tonnage may be subject to higher taxes and fees than a vessel with a lower net tonnage.
Oil Tanker #
An oil tanker is a type of vessel designed to transport oil or other petroleum products. Related terms include crude oil, refined oil, and petroleum products. Oil tankers can be used for transporting crude oil, refined oil, or other petroleum products, and may be equipped with tanks, pumps, and other oil-handling equipment. For instance, an oil tanker may be used to transport crude oil from oil fields to refineries.
Port #
A port refers to a facility or location where vessels can dock or anchor to load or unload cargo or passengers. Related terms include harbor, terminal, and dock. Ports can be used for commercial or recreational purposes, and may be equipped with cranes, winches, or other cargo-handling equipment. For example, a port may be used to load or unload containers or bulk cargo, or to berth passenger vessels.
Propeller #
A propeller is a type of propulsion system used to drive a vessel through the water. Related terms include engine, shaft, and gearbox. Propellers can be fixed or variable pitch, and may be equipped with hub caps, blades, or other propeller components. For instance, a vessel may be equipped with a fixed pitch propeller or a variable pitch propeller, depending on its design and intended use.
Registry #
Registry refers to the official record of a vessel's ownership, tonnage, and other details, which is maintained by the flag state or registration authority. Related terms include flag state, registration, and certification. The registry is an important document that provides proof of ownership and title to the vessel, and is often required for customs and immigration purposes. For example, a vessel may be registered in a particular country or jurisdiction, and may be required to display its registry number or flag state on its
RORO #
RORO refers to roll-on/roll-off, which is a type of shipping operation where vehicles or equipment are driven on and off a vessel using ramps or inclines. Related terms include container ship, bulk carrier, and project cargo. RORO vessels are often used to transport vehicles, trucks, or other wheeled equipment, and may be equipped with ramps, winches, or other loading and unloading equipment. For instance, a RORO vessel may be used to transport cars or trucks from one port to another.