deadweight tonnage
nautical science
Quick Summary
Deadweight tonnage (DWT) is a measure of a ship's total carrying capacity, including cargo, fuel, crew, passengers, food, and water, but excluding boiler water. It is expressed in long tons, with one long ton equaling 2,240 pounds. This measurement is distinct from gross tonnage, which is used for calculating harbor and canal dues, and displacement tonnage, which is used for naval vessels. Deadweight tonnage indicates the difference between a ship's light displacement and its loaded displacement.12
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