Operations Vocabulary
Shipping Terms
Complete maritime shipping vocabulary reference with searchable terms used in operations, compliance, and port logistics.
Showing 25 of 392 terms
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| ETA | Estimated time of arrival |
| EUSC | Effective U.S. Control. |
| EVEN KEEL | When the draft of a ship fore and aft are the same. |
| EXIMBANK | Export-Import Bank: A Federal agency that aids in financing exports of U.S. goods and services through direct loans, loan guarantees, and insurance. |
| F.O.B. | Free on Board: Export term in which the price quoted by the exporter does not include the costs of ocean transportation, but does include loading on board the vessel. |
| FAC | Fast as can |
| FACS | Federation of American Controlled Shipping. |
| FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION(FMC) | Authorized tariffs and rate-making procedures on conferences operating in the United States. |
| FEEDER | A grain container or reservoir constructed around the hatchway between two decks of a ship which when filled with grain automatically feeds or fills in the vacant areas in the lower holds. |
| FEU | Forty Foot Equivalent Units (Containers). |
| FHEX | Fridays, holidays excluded |
| FIO | Free in and out. |
| FIOS | Free in and out, stowed |
| FIREMAN | an unlicensed member of the engine, room staff whose duties consist in standing watch in the boiler room and insuring the oil burning equipment is working properly. |
| FIRST REFUSAL | First attempt at best offer that can be matched |
| FIXTURE | Conclusion of shipbrokers negotiations to charter a ship - an agreement |
| FLOATING OIL STORAGE | Oil stored on floating vessels. It has been the practice for oil to be stored in large laid-up oil tankers in order to offset the loss involved while the tankers are inactive |
| FO | Fuel oil/free out |
| FOB (FREE ON BOARD) | Cost of a product before transportation costs are figured in. |
| FORCE MAJEURE | Clause limiting responsibilities of the charterers, shippers and receivers of cargo. |
| FORECASTLE | The raised part of the forward end of a ship's hull. The inside space may be used for crew accommodation or quarters, though on new ships this space is being used for the storage of paints, tackle, deck and engine stores, tarpaulins, etc. |
| FORWARD | At or in the direction of the bow. Also the fore part of the ship. |
| FREE PRATIQUE | Clearance by the Health Authorities |
| FREIGHT | Money payable on delivery of cargo in a mercantile condition. |
| FREIGHT FORWARDER | Arranges shipments for customers usually break bulk. Does not actually carry the cargo or conduct business for the ship. |