Shipping & Port Glossary

The recorded time at which a vessel actually arrives at the defined port or terminal operational point.

The recorded time at which a vessel actually departs from the defined port or terminal operational point.

Automatic Identification System, a shipborne system that transmits and receives vessel identity, position, course, speed and other information to support navigation and traffic awareness.

A designated or commonly used area where a vessel may anchor while waiting for a berth, clearance, instructions or other operational requirements.

The working area immediately adjacent to a quay or wharf where cargo is transferred between vessels and shore-side transport or handling equipment.

Water carried in ship tanks to control stability, trim, draught and structural stresses; its management is regulated to reduce the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens.

The maximum width of a vessel, normally measured at its widest point.

The designated place alongside a quay, wharf or terminal where a vessel is secured for cargo operations, passenger operations or other port activity.

An agreed time period during which a vessel is expected or permitted to occupy a berth for its port call.

The maneuver and operation of bringing a vessel to a berth and securing it safely alongside.

A transport document issued by or for the carrier that evidences receipt of cargo and the contract of carriage and may, depending on its form, function as a document of title.

A strong fixed post on a quay or wharf used for securing vessel mooring lines.

A reservation made with a carrier for space to transport cargo on a specified service, vessel or sailing.

Cargo carried as individual pieces or units rather than in containers or as loose bulk. Examples include machinery, steel products, timber and bagged goods.

A structure built to reduce wave energy and provide sheltered water for a harbor, port entrance or anchorage.

Unpackaged cargo carried in large quantities, normally loaded directly into a vessel's cargo spaces. It may be dry, such as grain or ore, or liquid, such as petroleum products.

A ship designed primarily to carry dry cargo in bulk, such as ore, coal, grain or similar commodities.

The supply of fuel or other approved energy products to a vessel for its own propulsion or onboard use.

Goods or commodities transported by vessel, barge, truck, rail or aircraft.

The deadline by which export cargo must be delivered to the terminal or otherwise made ready for loading on a scheduled vessel.

The loading, unloading, transfer, movement and temporary positioning of cargo within the port or terminal.

The total quantity of cargo handled by a port or terminal during a specified period, usually expressed by weight or another stated unit.

A person or company that undertakes the transport of goods. In maritime trade, the term commonly refers to an ocean shipping line.

A navigable waterway or dredged passage used by vessels to enter, leave or move within a port or harbor.

A contract under which a shipowner agrees to provide a vessel, or part of its carrying capacity, to a charterer under agreed terms.

The agreed amount payable for the hire or use of a vessel under a charter arrangement.

A person or company that hires a vessel, or space or carrying capacity on a vessel, under a charter arrangement.

A report issued after a pre-shipment or inspection process confirming specified findings, such as compliance of goods or documentation with defined requirements.

A company or entity granted contractual rights to develop, operate or provide specified services within a port under a concession agreement.

The person or organization named to receive cargo at destination.

A reusable standardized freight unit designed for intermodal transport by ship, truck and rail. Common lengths include 20 feet and 40 feet.

A facility where less-than-container-load cargo may be received, consolidated, stuffed into containers, stripped from containers or released to consignees.

A vessel designed to carry standardized freight containers, usually in cellular holds and on deck.

The volume of containers handled by a port or terminal over a stated period, commonly reported in TEU.

A terminal area used for the temporary storage, positioning and handling of containers before loading, after discharge or during transfer.

Lifting equipment used to load, discharge or reposition cargo, containers and other heavy items between vessel and shore or within a terminal.

The process of completing customs declarations, controls, duties, taxes and other requirements necessary for cargo to enter, leave or transit a customs territory.

Substances, materials or articles classified as presenting hazards during transport and subject to applicable requirements for classification, packing, marking, documentation, stowage and segregation.

A manifest containing prescribed information about dangerous goods carried on a vessel, including classification and other safety-related particulars.

The total weight a vessel can safely carry, including cargo, fuel, fresh water, stores, passengers and crew, when loaded to the applicable load line.

The process of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions from shipping, ports and associated logistics through efficiency, cleaner energy, operational change and new technologies.

A seagoing vessel employed on longer international routes rather than short feeder or coastal services.

An instruction or document authorizing the release or delivery of specified cargo to the entitled party, subject to applicable carrier and terminal requirements.

A charge associated with exceeding agreed free time or allowed time, with the precise meaning depending on the contract and whether it applies to vessels, containers or cargo.

A charge that may apply when carrier equipment, commonly a container, is kept outside the terminal or depot beyond the agreed free period.

A fixed marine structure, separate from the main quay or wharf, used for mooring, berthing support or guiding vessels.

The vertical distance between the waterline and the lowest point of a vessel's hull, indicating how deeply the vessel sits in the water.

A floating or waterborne machine used to remove sediment, silt or other material from the seabed, harbor, channel or basin.

The removal of sediment or material from the bottom of a harbor, channel or berth to maintain or increase navigable depth.

Solid bulk cargo carried without packaging, such as grain, coal, cement, bauxite or iron ore.

A standard enclosed freight container for general cargo that does not require refrigeration or other special environmental control.

Estimated Time of Arrival. The latest expected time at which a vessel is anticipated to arrive at a specified port, berth or operational point.

Estimated Time of Berthing. The time a vessel is expected to be all fast or otherwise secured at its assigned berth.

Estimated Time of Departure. The latest expected time at which a vessel is anticipated to depart from a port, berth or operational point.

Goods or commodities sent out of a country or customs territory for sale, use or processing elsewhere.

Full Container Load. A shipment in which a container is used for cargo associated with one shipper or consignee movement rather than being consolidated with unrelated cargo.

A vessel operating shorter routes that transfers containers or other cargo between a hub port and smaller regional or spoke ports.

Forty-foot Equivalent Unit, a unit corresponding to one standard 40-foot container. One FEU is generally equivalent to two TEU.

A terminal milestone indicating the earliest date or time associated with availability of a container or cargo for the next applicable operational step, as published by the terminal.

A defined period during which specified storage, equipment use or terminal activity is permitted without the applicable time-based charge.

Liberia's principal commercial port, located on Bushrod Island in Monrovia and managed within the National Port Authority's national port network.

Goods transported from one place to another, or the charge paid for their transportation, depending on context.

A logistics intermediary that arranges the movement of goods on behalf of shippers, often coordinating carriers, documentation, consolidation and related services.

The price charged by a carrier for transporting cargo between specified points under agreed terms.

A large crane that travels on rails or supports and is commonly used for loading and unloading containers between ship and shore.

The controlled terminal entry and exit point for trucks, drivers, containers, cargo and authorized personnel.

Cargo made up of packaged, unitized, containerized or breakbulk goods, as distinct from loose dry or liquid bulk commodities.

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, the internationally coordinated system of communication equipment and procedures used for distress alerting, safety information and maritime communications.

Emissions of gases that contribute to climate change, including carbon dioxide and other gases associated with fuel use and industrial activity.

A dimensionless measure derived from the molded volume of all enclosed spaces of a ship under the 1969 Tonnage Convention. It is used for regulatory and charging purposes.

A sheltered body of water where vessels can anchor, maneuver, berth or obtain protection from sea conditions.

The official responsible for overseeing navigational safety, vessel movements and specified operational controls within a port or harbor jurisdiction.

Cargo presenting a safety, health or environmental hazard and requiring special classification, documentation, packing, segregation or handling under applicable rules.

The terminal deadline for acceptance or documentation of hazardous cargo intended for a particular vessel call.

A port that serves as a major transfer point where cargo, especially containers, is consolidated, distributed or transshipped to feeder or onward services.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, the global code governing the safe transport of dangerous goods in packaged form by sea, including classification, packing, marking, documentation, stowage and segregation requirements.

A permanent unique identification number assigned to qualifying ships for identification and tracking throughout the vessel's life, regardless of changes in name, flag or ownership.

Goods or commodities brought into a country or customs territory from another country for use, sale or processing.

A specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for the global regulatory framework for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping.

The mandatory international security framework under SOLAS chapter XI-2 for ships and port facilities engaged in international trade.

A freight container built to internationally standardized dimensions and interface requirements so that it can move efficiently between ships, trucks, trains and handling equipment.

A nautical unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour.

The securing of cargo, containers, vehicles or equipment to prevent movement during handling or sea transport.

The time contractually allowed for loading or discharging cargo under a voyage charter before additional charges may apply.

Less than Container Load. Cargo that does not occupy a full container and is commonly consolidated with other compatible shipments.

Liberia's national maritime administration responsible for maritime regulatory functions, flag-state matters and other statutory maritime responsibilities assigned by Liberian law.

Liquid cargo transported unpackaged in tanks, such as petroleum products, chemicals or edible oils.

Length Overall. The maximum overall length of a vessel from the foremost to the aftermost point of the hull.

A structured list or declaration of cargo, passengers, stores or other items carried by a vessel for operational, customs or regulatory purposes.

The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, the principal international convention addressing pollution of the marine environment from operational or accidental causes.

A unit of mass equal to 1,000 kilograms. Port cargo throughput is commonly reported in metric tonnes.

Maritime Mobile Service Identity, a unique nine-digit number used to identify a ship station, coast station or group of stations in maritime digital radio communications.

A mobile shore-based crane used in ports for loading and discharging containers, bulk, breakbulk and heavy cargo.

The securing of a vessel to a berth, buoy, dolphin or other fixed point using lines, wires or other approved arrangements.

The state-owned authority established to plan, develop, manage and operate Liberia's ports, including the Freeport of Monrovia and the ports of Buchanan, Greenville and Harper.

A unit of distance used in marine and air navigation, equal to 1,852 meters.

A legacy tonnage measure based on the internal volume available for cargo or passengers. Modern international practice uses Net Tonnage (NT) under the 1969 Tonnage Convention.

A dimensionless measure calculated under the 1969 Tonnage Convention using a formula related principally to the molded volume of cargo spaces and vessel operating characteristics.

The person or organization identified in shipping documents to be notified when cargo arrives or when specified transport events occur.

Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carrier. An intermediary that provides ocean freight services to shippers without operating the vessels used for the carriage.

A shipping line or carrier that transports cargo by sea.

Cargo whose dimensions exceed the standard internal or external limits of a conventional freight container and therefore requires special equipment or handling.

In the NPA context, Liberia's ports outside the principal Freeport of Monrovia, namely Buchanan, Greenville and Harper.

A portable platform on which cargo is stacked or secured so that it can be handled efficiently, commonly by forklift or pallet jack.

The service in which an authorized marine pilot assists the master with navigation and maneuvering in port waters, channels or other pilotage areas.

A maritime area and associated facilities where vessels may arrive, depart, berth, load or discharge cargo and receive services; the term may also refer to the port organization responsible for managing the facility.

A public or statutory body responsible for specified governance, management, regulation, planning or development functions within a port or port system.

A vessel's visit to a port, covering the sequence from pre-arrival planning through arrival, berthing, port operations and departure.

The practical or designed amount of vessel, cargo, container or other traffic a port or terminal can handle within a specified period and operating context.

Charges levied for specified use of port infrastructure, navigation services or port facilities, commonly calculated using measures such as vessel tonnage, stay or cargo activity.

The person designated for the development, implementation, revision and maintenance of a port facility security plan and for liaison with ship and company security personnel as required under the ISPS framework.

A plan developed for a port facility to ensure application of measures designed to protect the facility, ships, persons, cargo and transport units from security risks under the ISPS framework.

A major port in Grand Bassa County serving industrial, bulk and general maritime trade within Liberia's national port network.

A port in Sinoe County serving southeastern Liberia within the National Port Authority's port network.

A port in Maryland County serving Liberia's far southeast within the National Port Authority's port network.

A shore-based facility or service provided for the reception of ship-generated wastes and cargo residues in accordance with applicable pollution-prevention requirements.

Inspection of foreign ships in national ports to verify compliance with applicable international maritime conventions and standards.

Heavy, oversized, high-value or specialized cargo moved for major projects and often requiring engineered lifting, stowage and transport arrangements.

A solid structure alongside navigable water, generally parallel to the shoreline, where vessels berth for loading, discharge or other port operations.

A refrigerated or temperature-controlled freight container used for perishable or temperature-sensitive cargo.

The terminal deadline for acceptance of a refrigerated container or completion of the required procedures for loading it on a scheduled vessel.

An electrical connection at a terminal or onboard ship used to power a refrigerated container while it is awaiting movement or during transport.

Vehicles, trailers or other wheeled cargo loaded onto and discharged from a vessel by rolling on and off through ramps.

A roll-on/roll-off vessel designed for cargo such as cars, trucks, trailers or other wheeled units that can be driven or towed aboard and ashore.

The planned arrival time assigned to a vessel call before later operational updates or estimates are applied.

The planned departure time assigned to a vessel call before later operational updates or estimates are applied.

Normal security level at which minimum appropriate protective security measures are maintained at all times.

Heightened security level applied for as long as there is an increased risk of a security incident and additional protective measures are required.

Exceptional security level applied for a limited period when a security incident is probable or imminent and further specific protective measures are required.

A large quay crane specifically designed to transfer containers between a container vessel and the terminal.

The person or organization that tenders cargo for transport and is identified as the shipper in the transport arrangement or document.

A company providing scheduled or commercial sea transport services for cargo, containers, vehicles or other traffic.

International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, the principal international treaty setting minimum safety standards for the construction, equipment and operation of ships.

The date or time from which a terminal begins accepting specified export cargo or containers for a particular vessel call.

A person or company engaged in loading, discharging, stowing or handling cargo aboard vessels and at the ship-shore interface.

The work and service of loading, unloading, stowing and securing cargo on vessels and transferring it at the ship-shore interface.

A charge that may apply when cargo or containers remain in a terminal, yard or warehouse beyond the applicable free period or tariff conditions.

The planned placement and securing of cargo aboard a vessel or within a transport unit to support safety, stability and efficient discharge.

The process of unloading cargo from a freight container.

The process of loading cargo into a freight container.

The vessel's deadweight when loaded to the applicable summer load line.

A vessel designed to transport liquid cargo in bulk, such as petroleum products, chemicals or liquefied gases depending on vessel type.

The weight of an empty container, vehicle, railcar or other transport unit before cargo is added.

A published schedule of charges, rates, conditions and rules applicable to specified services or transport activities.

A specialized facility within a port where vessels berth and cargo, containers, vehicles or passengers are handled and transferred.

The organization responsible for operating a port terminal, including berth, yard, gate and cargo-handling activities within its concession or operating area.

Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit, the standard industry measure of container capacity based on one 20-foot container. A 40-foot container is generally counted as two TEU.

A general maritime term that can refer to ship measurement systems such as Gross Tonnage and Net Tonnage, or, in cargo statistics, to the weight of cargo handled. The intended measure should always be stated.

The service of assisting a vessel's movement or maneuvering by tug, particularly during berthing, unberthing, turning or transit in constrained waters.

Cargo passing through a port or country en route to another destination without being intended for domestic consumption at the transit point.

The transfer of cargo or containers from one vessel to another, usually through an intermediate hub port, before continuing to final destination.

A scheduled time slot for a truck to enter a terminal for container pickup, delivery or another specified transaction.

A powerful small vessel designed to tow, push or assist other vessels during harbor maneuvers, berthing, unberthing or emergencies.

The vertical distance between the lowest part of a vessel's keel and the seabed or channel bottom at a given time.

Cargo grouped into a single handling unit, such as on a pallet or in a container, to simplify storage, lifting and transport.

The verified total gross mass of a packed container, including the cargo, packing and securing material and the tare mass of the container, required under SOLAS before loading subject to applicable rules.

A ship or large watercraft used for navigation and transport.

A published list of vessel calls and their planned, estimated or actual arrival and departure information for a port or terminal.

A carrier-assigned identifier for a specific vessel voyage or service rotation, commonly used in booking, documentation and schedule references.

A facility for receiving, storing, consolidating, distributing and delivering cargo or goods.

A shore-side structure where vessels berth to load or unload cargo and which may include aprons, sheds, storage and transport interfaces.

An intergovernmental organization focused on customs cooperation, standards and facilitation of legitimate international trade.

A terminal storage and working area used for containers, vehicles, breakbulk or other cargo awaiting onward movement.