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The connection of electrical equipment and the ship's structure to a common reference (the hull) to provide a safe path for fault currents and to control static electricity, an important safety measure especially in hazardous areas.

A receeding current

Electronic Chart Display and Information System, a navigation system that displays electronic charts integrated with position and other data; when type-approved and used with official charts it can meet the chart-carriage requirements of SOLAS chapter V. IMO-grounded

That speed of a means of transport which produces the best possible financial result for the owner. Such speed should not be in excess of the maximum or minimum output allowed for the engine(s).

A phenomenon which encourages the production of larger volumes of a commodity to reduce its unit cost by distributing fixed costs over a greater quantity.

Export Cargo Shipping Instruction/Preadvice. Instructions from shipper with details of all parties involved and description of goods.

Estimated Delivery Date. The date and time a package or shipment is expected to be delivered to a given destination

Accelerated corrosion at the cut or exposed edges of steel plates, where coatings are thinnest and most easily broken, a common starting point for structural corrosion.

The grinding of plate edges to round or smooth them before coating, improving coating adhesion and reducing edge corrosion.

The shaping and cleaning of the edges of plates or pipes before welding, such as bevelling, to achieve a sound joint with proper penetration.

See Electronic Data Interchange.

United Nations rules for Electronic Data Interchange for Administration,

A tanker designed to carry edible (vegetable and animal) oils and fats, with tanks and systems suited to these cargoes; their carriage in bulk is addressed under the IBC Code. IMO-grounded

Vegetable and animal oils carried in bulk as cargo, requiring heated, coated tanks and careful handling to preserve quality.

Electronic Data Interchange For Administration, Commerce and Transport. The ISO application level syntax rules for the structuring of user data and of the associated service data in the interchange of messages in an open environment.

See Electronic Data Processing.

Equipment Damage Report. Written statement concerning damage to equipment, based on a physical inspection.

The complete and proper completion of port formalities and procedures so that a ship is free to sail.

The ratio of useful output to input for a machine or process, a measure of how effectively energy or effort is converted to the desired result.

A rudder design incorporating features such as a bulb or twisted profile to recover energy from the propeller slipstream and improve propulsive efficiency.

Comprising Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.

The Code for Existing Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk, applying to older gas carriers as the counterpart to the GC Code and to the mandatory IGC Code that governs newer ships. IMO-grounded

Equipment Handover Agreement, Interchange (Fr). An agreement acknowledging the condition of the carrier’s equipment when handed over and returned, which includes the terms of contract under which the equipment was taken over

The Engine International Air Pollution Prevention documentation confirming that a marine diesel engine meets the nitrogen-oxide limits of MARPOL Annex VI, supporting the engine's certification. IMO-grounded

See Equipment Interchange Receip

A device that uses a high-velocity jet of fluid to entrain and pump another fluid, with no moving parts, used for example to strip tanks or drain bilges.

Craft that fly just above a surface, supported by the cushion of higher-pressure air (ground effect) under their wings; the IMO has developed guidance for WIG craft operating over water. IMO-grounded

Buckling of a structural member that occurs while the material is still within its elastic range, so that it would recover its shape if the load were removed before collapse.

A change of shape under load that is fully recovered when the load is removed, the material returning to its original dimensions.

The stress beyond which a material begins to deform permanently; below it, deformation is elastic and recoverable.

The property of a material that allows it to return to its original shape after a deforming load is removed.

Buckling that occurs when part of the material has yielded, so the collapse involves both elastic and plastic behaviour, typical of stocky members.

Machines that convert electrical energy into mechanical rotation, used throughout the ship to drive pumps, fans, winches, and other equipment.

The interconnected system of generators, switchboards, cabling, and consumers that distributes electrical power throughout the ship.

A distribution system in which the neutral point is connected to earth (the hull), affecting how faults behave and are detected and cleared.

A propulsion unit housing an electric motor in a pod below the hull that drives the propeller directly and can rotate to provide steering, giving high efficiency and manoeuvrability.

Propulsion arrangements in which prime movers drive generators supplying electric motors that turn the propellers, allowing flexible machinery layout and efficient part-load operation.

A control system combining electrical signalling with pneumatic (compressed-air) actuation to operate valves and equipment.

Corrosion driven by electrochemical cells on a metal surface in the presence of an electrolyte such as seawater, the dominant corrosion mechanism for ships' steel.

A high-deposition welding process for vertical joints in thick plate, in which the weld pool is contained by shoes and shielded by gas, used in shipbuilding for vertical seams.

The removal of scale or oxide from metal by an electrolytic process in a suitable solution.

A type-approved navigation system that displays official electronic charts with integrated navigational information; its use can satisfy SOLAS chart-carriage requirements and it must meet IMO performance standards. IMO-grounded

The end-to-end digital exchange of all information needed to conduct business. Examples include EDI transactions, electronic mail, archives, audit trails, and all forms of records, including graphical images.

The transfer of structured data, by agreed standards from applications on the computer of one party to the applications on the computer of another party by electronic means.

The computerized handling of information (e.g. business data).

An electronic instrument that measures and records a ship's angle of heel and roll, giving the master real-time information on transverse inclination. Its carriage on certain container ships and bulk carriers of 3,000 GT and above is required by amendments to SOLAS Chapter V adopted in resolutions MSC.532(107), MSC.533(107), and MSC.534(107). IMO-grounded

An official vector chart database, issued by hydrographic offices, used in ECDIS; ENCs are the official charts that allow ECDIS to meet chart-carriage requirements under SOLAS. IMO-grounded

An approved electronic system used in place of a paper record book to log operations required under IMO instruments, such as ballast water, oil, garbage, or ozone-depleting substances. Amendments to the Ballast Water Management Convention in resolution MEPC.383(81) set the format for the electronic ballast water record book. IMO-grounded

A welding process for thick vertical joints in which the heat is generated by the resistance of a molten slag pool, allowing very high deposition in a single pass.

Equipment used to discharge some bulk cargoes such as grain which is removed from the hold by a continuous line of buckets or by suction and carried on a conveyor belt to store.

Lifts for moving people or goods between decks; passenger-ship lifts and their machinery spaces are subject to safety and fire-protection requirements.

Electric Ventilation

A government order prohibiting the entry or departure of commercial vessels or goods at its ports. The refusal by a carrier, for a limited period, to accept for transport over any route or segment thereof, and to or from any area or point, of a connecting carrier, any commodity, type of class of cargo duly tendered.

To board a ship.

A ladder rigged at the embarkation station to allow people to board survival craft or descend to the water, required as part of life-saving arrangements under SOLAS and the LSA Code. IMO-grounded

A device on a cable-laying vessel that can rapidly brake or stop the running cable in an emergency to prevent loss or damage.

A situation threatening the safety of the ship, persons aboard, or the environment, requiring immediate response under the ship's emergency procedures.

The electrical services that must remain powered in an emergency, such as steering, lighting, communications, and fire systems, supplied from the emergency source of power. IMO-grounded

Backup propulsion or steering arrangements that allow a ship to maintain limited control or movement if the main systems fail.

Stowage lockers holding equipment for emergency use, such as fire-fighting, rescue, or pollution-response gear, located for ready access.

A portable air supply that provides breathable air for a short time to allow a person to escape from a space filling with smoke or gas; required and regulated under SOLAS and the FSS Code. IMO-grounded

Medical procedures in case of emergencies on board of vessels.

A float-free radio beacon that, when activated, transmits a distress signal with the ship's identity and position to search-and-rescue satellites; carriage is required under SOLAS as part of the GMDSS. IMO-grounded

The organised actions taken to deal with an emergency aboard, following the ship's contingency plans and the procedures required under the ISM Code. IMO-grounded

A vessel stationed near an offshore installation to stand by for rescue, recovery of persons from the water, and support in an emergency.

The essential services that must be kept available in an emergency, supported by the emergency source of power and the ship's emergency arrangements.

An independent power source, such as an emergency generator or battery, that automatically supplies essential safety services if the main power fails; required and located in accordance with SOLAS. IMO-grounded

A pre-rigged system enabling a disabled ship to be taken in tow quickly, comprising a pick-up gear, towing pennant, fairlead, and strongpoint. SOLAS requires such arrangements on tankers and, in simplified form, on other ships to reduce the risk of grounding after a loss of propulsion. IMO-grounded

The ship-specific procedure, required for certain ships under SOLAS, describing how the vessel can be taken in tow quickly in an emergency. IMO-grounded

Pre-rigged equipment, required on tankers under SOLAS, that allows a tow to be connected and the ship to be towed promptly if it loses power or control. IMO-grounded

A powerful tug kept on standby to assist ships in difficulty, for example to take a disabled or drifting vessel in tow before it grounds.

The release of substances into the air, such as exhaust gases from engines; air emissions from ships are regulated under MARPOL Annex VI. IMO-grounded

A sea area designated under MARPOL Annex VI in which stricter limits apply to ship emissions of sulphur oxides and particulate matter (SOx ECA) and/or nitrogen oxides (NOx ECA). Resolution MEPC.392(82) designates the Norwegian Sea and Canadian Arctic as new areas; within a NOx ECA new ships must meet the Tier III standard. IMO-grounded

A stable mixture of two liquids that do not normally mix, such as oil dispersed in water, which can complicate the separation of oily mixtures.

Water-based paints in which the binder is dispersed as an emulsion, drying as the water evaporates.

A navigating bridge fully enclosed against the weather, with the conning positions inside, as on most modern ships.

A space with limited openings and ventilation that may have a dangerous atmosphere; entry requires testing and precautions under IMO guidance and SOLAS enclosed-space entry and drill requirements. IMO-grounded

The transfer of the right to obtain delivery of the goods of the carrier by means of the consignee’s signature on the reverse side of a bill of lading. If the name of the new consignee (transferee) is not stated, the endorsement is an open one which means that every holder of the document is entitled to obtain delivery of the goods.

A proprietary integrated rudder and propeller arrangement designed to improve propulsive efficiency.

A design concept for transporting and supplying energy by sea, for example a vessel arrangement for regasifying and delivering natural gas.

A mandatory measure under MARPOL Annex VI expressing the carbon-dioxide output of a new ship per unit of transport work; each applicable ship's attained EEDI must be calculated, verified, and not exceed the required value. IMO-grounded

A technical measure under MARPOL Annex VI applying to existing ships of 400 gross tonnage and above, requiring each vessel to attain a design efficiency value no worse than a prescribed limit, often achieved by engine power limitation. It complements the EEDI, which applies to newbuildings. IMO-grounded

A proprietary engine-monitoring and control unit.

The machine that converts fuel energy into mechanical power to propel the ship or drive generators and auxiliaries.

The allowance between an engine's continuous service power and its maximum rating, kept in reserve for heavy weather, hull fouling, and ageing.

The space containing the main propulsion machinery and associated equipment; as a high fire-risk space it is subject to extensive fire-protection and safety requirements under SOLAS. IMO-grounded

The layout of machinery, systems, and access within the engine room, planned for operation, maintenance, safety, and escape.

The supporting machinery in the engine room other than the main engine, such as pumps, compressors, purifiers, and generators.

A bulkhead bounding the engine room, contributing to subdivision and, where required, providing fire and watertight integrity. IMO-grounded

A protected position in or near the engine room from which fire and emergency systems can be operated and the machinery space monitored.

The system supplying air for combustion, cooling, and a safe working environment in the machinery space, arranged so it can be controlled and shut down in a fire. IMO-grounded

Tests of an engine's performance and operation, carried out at the works and during the ship's sea trials, to confirm it meets its specification.

A certificated officer of the engine department responsible for operating and maintaining the ship's machinery, qualified under the STCW Convention. IMO-grounded

processes and management systems, job definitions, organizational structures and beliefs and behaviors to achieve dramatic performance improvements to meet contemporary requirements. Information technology (IT) is a key enabler in this process.

Document issued by a party interested in the purchase of goods specified therein and indicating particular, desirable conditions regarding delivery terms, etc., addressed to a prospective supplier with a view to obtaining an offer.

Going into a space; entry into enclosed spaces requires atmosphere testing and precautions under IMO requirements because of the risk of a dangerous atmosphere. IMO-grounded

The control of conditions such as temperature, humidity, and air quality within spaces to suit people, equipment, or cargo.

The loads imposed on a ship or structure by the environment, such as waves, wind, current, and ice, which the design must withstand.

Tough, chemically resistant resins widely used as the binder in high-performance protective coatings for ballast tanks, holds, and other demanding areas.

Material resources necessary to facilitate the transport and handling of cargo. Transport equipment does under the given circumstances not have the ability to move by its own propulsion (e.g. sea container, trailer, unit load device, pallet).

Equipment Interchange Receipt. Physical inspection and transfer receipt.

A figure calculated from a ship's dimensions and form that determines the size and amount of its anchoring and mooring equipment under classification rules. IMO-grounded

The assembly of fabricated units, blocks, and components into the complete structure of the ship at the building berth.

The design of equipment, workplaces, and tasks to suit human capabilities, improving safety, comfort, and efficiency, increasingly applied to bridge and machinery-space design.

The wearing away of a surface by the mechanical action of moving fluid or particles, as distinct from chemical corrosion.

The combined attack on metal by erosion and corrosion acting together, in which flow removes protective films and accelerates corrosion, common in pipes and pump components.

Material loss caused by erosion, for example by fast or particle-laden flow against a surface.

A deviation of a measured or computed value from the true value, or a mistake in operation; controlling error is important in navigation and instrumentation.

A clearly marked and unobstructed means of escape from a space to a place of safety, the provision of which is required by SOLAS to allow rapid evacuation in an emergency. IMO-grounded

A vertical trunk with a ladder providing a protected means of escape from a lower space, such as a machinery space or hold, to an upper deck. IMO-grounded

A tug or vessel accompanying a ship, for example a tanker in confined waters, ready to assist with steering or stopping in an emergency.

The International Code on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections during Surveys of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers, mandatory under SOLAS, which sets the enhanced survey requirements, including close-up examination, thickness measurement, and tank testing, for these ship types as they age. Amended by resolution MSC.553(108). IMO-grounded

Equipment necessary for the safe operation and navigation of the ship, which must remain available, including under emergency conditions. IMO-grounded

The services necessary for propulsion, steering, and safety that must be maintained for the ship to operate safely, identified in the design of the power and machinery systems. IMO-grounded

Estimated Time of Arrival. The expected date and time of arrival in a certain port

Estimated Time of Completion

Estimated Time of Departure. The expected date and time when a certain port is left

Ethanol used as a fuel or fuel component, of interest as a lower-carbon alternative, with handling and flammability considerations.

Estimated Time of Sailing

The European Union's cap-and-trade scheme, extended to maritime transport, under which shipping companies must surrender emission allowances corresponding to the carbon dioxide emitted on voyages within, into, and out of the EU. Verified emissions reporting underpins the surrender obligation.

The European Union regulation requiring monitoring, reporting, and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from ships calling at EU ports, based on an approved monitoring plan and independently verified annual emissions reports. It provides the data foundation for the maritime EU-ETS.

by the General Assembly of the United Nations. Despite its name it embraces both Europe and North America. The UN/ECE comprises twenty nine core member states, as well as any country which is a member of the United Nations and which applies under Article 11 of the United Nations constitution for delegate status. The aim is to advance the economic development of Europe and associated countries through trade facilitation and common agreements.

An international body responsible for administering the European Article

Pool for the exchange of standard size pallets (the so-called Europallets) in European cargo traffic, formed in 1961 by a number of European rail administrators.

A charge for inland haulage transport in case of carrier haulage in Europe.

The orderly movement of people away from danger to survival craft or a place of safety, supported by escape routes, marine evacuation systems, and drills under SOLAS. IMO-grounded

A study carried out at the design stage to assess how quickly and safely all persons on board can reach and board the survival craft, identifying congestion points and escape-route bottlenecks. SOLAS amendments in resolution MSC.404(96) extend the requirement to passenger ships carrying more than 36 passengers. IMO-grounded

The change of a liquid into vapour at its surface, exploited in evaporators that produce fresh water from seawater, and a factor in cargo boil-off.

The condition of a ship floating with equal draughts forward and aft, so that the keel is horizontal and there is no trim by the head or the stern. It is a common reference condition for stability and loading calculations.

The inspection of the hull's structural members for corrosion, cracks, deformation, and wastage, carried out during surveys to verify continued strength and integrity. IMO-grounded

governmental body to allow continuous examination of the equipment (e.g. containers).

Going over the prescribed amount or degree e.g. excess luggage is luggage of which the weight is over the weight for free carriage.

That portion of stock on hand which is over and above the desired stock level.

Corrosion that has reduced structural thickness beyond acceptable limits, requiring renewal of the affected steel, as assessed against survey criteria. IMO-grounded

The rate at which one currency can be exchanged for another, usually ex- pressed as the value of the one in terms of the other.

The actual act of carrying out a task.

Company which transports commodities exempted from Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) economic regulation.

A clause in a contract, which relieves the carrier’s responsibility for certain events.

The pollutants released in an engine's exhaust, such as nitrogen and sulphur oxides and particulates, which are limited under MARPOL Annex VI. IMO-grounded

A boiler that recovers heat from the main engine's exhaust gas to raise steam, improving overall fuel efficiency.

Equipment, commonly a scrubber, that removes sulphur oxides and other pollutants from exhaust gas, allowing a ship to meet the sulphur limits of MARPOL Annex VI while burning higher-sulphur fuel. IMO-grounded

Equipment that removes sulphur oxides, and in some designs particulate matter, from a ship's engine and boiler exhaust, allowing continued use of higher-sulphur fuel while meeting MARPOL Annex VI sulphur limits. Systems may be open-loop, closed-loop, or hybrid, and are subject to washwater discharge criteria. IMO-grounded

A technique that routes part of the exhaust gas back into the engine's intake to lower combustion temperatures and reduce nitrogen-oxide formation, helping meet MARPOL Annex VI NOx limits. IMO-grounded

A turbocharger driven by the engine's exhaust gas, using that energy to compress the intake air and increase the engine's power and efficiency.

The hot gaseous products of combustion leaving an engine or boiler, carrying both recoverable heat and regulated pollutants.

The valve that opens to release the burnt gases from an engine cylinder into the exhaust system.

A raised trunk on a tank that provides space for the cargo to expand and contract with temperature while keeping the main tank full, reducing free-surface effects.

Likely to occur or appear.

The ‘rushing’ or ‘chasing’ of production or purchase orders which are needed in less than the normal lead time.

See disposable pallet. Synonym: One Way Pallet.

Costs paid out in connection with booking of cargo and arranging transport (e.g. commission). ExpirationTermination of a certain period.

A valve that opens to relieve the pressure of an internal explosion, such as in a crankcase, protecting the enclosure from bursting.

Describing electrical equipment built so that it cannot ignite a surrounding explosive atmosphere, required for use in hazardous areas such as tanker cargo zones. IMO-grounded

A mixture of flammable gas or vapour with air in proportions that will explode if ignited, the prevention of which underlies inerting and gas-control measures on tankers. IMO-grounded

Where one party can be both a buyer and seller.Both buyers and sellers benefit when a new participant joins because fewer participants are needed to create higher volumes. Grow faster than linear markets. Require well-defined or commoditized products to make purchase and sale easy. Transaction costs must be low to keep the market liquid. Examples: Altra (energy), e-Steel, MetalSite. Synonym: circular market. Antonym: linear market.

The process of carrying or sending goods to another country or countries, especially for purposes of use or sale in the country of destination. The sale of products to clients abroad.

A document required by the U.S. Treasury Department and completed by a shipper indicating the contents, value, and destination of an export shipment.

Document granting permission to export as detailed within a specified time.

Company, packing goods for export.

The party responsible for the export of goods.

Corrosion affecting a large area of structure, indicating widespread deterioration that must be assessed and repaired. IMO-grounded

Hydraulic cylinders mounted externally, for example to operate steering gear, hatch covers, or ramps.

Summary or copy of something written, e.g. used in connection with the log book.

The greatest breadth of the ship measured to the outermost points, including any projections, as distinct from the moulded breadth.

The depth of the ship measured to the outermost points, including the keel and any structure, as distinct from the moulded depth.

The greatest draught measured to the lowest point of the ship, including any projections below the keel line.