tonnage
UK: ˈtʌnɪdʒ | US: ˈtʌnɪdʒ
n. the capacity of a ship or the total weight of cargo it can carry, expressed in tons
n. a duty or tax on ships based on their carrying capacity
n. the total shipping capacity of a port or fleet
The word "tonnage" originates from the Middle English term "tunne," referring to a large cask or barrel used for shipping goods. Over time, "ton" became a standard unit of weight measurement in maritime trade. The suffix "-age" (from Old French "-age," derived from Latin "-aticum") denotes a collective or measurable quantity. Thus, "tonnage" literally means "the measure of tons," reflecting its use in quantifying a ship's cargo capacity or taxable load.
The ship's tonnage was carefully calculated to ensure safe loading.
Port authorities imposed higher fees based on the vessel's tonnage.
Modern container ships have significantly increased in tonnage over the decades.
The treaty regulated naval tonnage to balance military power among nations.
Smaller boats are exempt from tonnage taxes applied to commercial freighters.