Difference between Gross Tonnage, Net Tonnage, and Deadweight Tonnage
Gross Tonnage (GT):
This measures the “total inside space” of the ship, including all areas like cargo holds, engine rooms, and crew spaces. It’s about “volume”, not weight.
Net Tonnage (NT):
Focuses on the space available for cargo.
Deadweight Tonnage (DWT):
GT measures how much weight the ship can safely carry, including cargo, fuel, water, crew, and supplies. It’s about the ship’s “carrying capacity”, not its size.
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GT and NT are about volume/size and are used for legal and port purposes. DWT is about weight and tells you how much the ship can safely carry.