Broken stowage is a term used in the shipping industry to describe the loss of space in a cargo hold due to poor packing or inefficient use of space. It is a significant issue that can lead to financial losses and safety hazards. In this article, we will define broken stowage, explore its origins, and examine its meaning in different dictionaries. We will also look at its associations, synonyms, antonyms, and root words, and provide some example sentences to help illustrate its use.
Definitions
Broken stowage refers to the unused space in a cargo hold caused by poor packing or inefficient use of space. It is a measure of the difference between the actual volume of cargo loaded and the maximum volume that could have been loaded if the cargo had been packed efficiently. Broken stowage can occur when cargo is not properly secured, when cargo is irregularly shaped, or when there are gaps between cargo items.
Origin
The term broken stowage has been used in the shipping industry for over a century. It originated in the days of sailing ships when cargo was loaded in a haphazard manner, resulting in significant losses due to damaged goods and lost revenue. The term was first used in the 19th century and has been used ever since to describe the problem of inefficient cargo packing.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of broken stowage is consistent across different dictionaries. The Oxford English Dictionary defines broken stowage as “the loss of space in a ship’s hold due to irregularities in the shape of the cargo or inefficient packing.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “the space lost in a ship’s hold through irregularity in the shape of the cargo or imperfect stowage.” The Collins English Dictionary defines it as “the space wasted in a ship’s hold because of irregularly shaped cargo or inefficient stowage.”
Associations
Broken stowage is associated with financial losses and safety hazards. Inefficient packing can lead to damage to cargo, which can result in lost revenue and increased insurance claims. It can also create safety hazards by making the ship unstable and increasing the risk of accidents.
Synonyms
Synonyms of broken stowage include inefficient packing, wasted space, and unused space.
Antonyms
Antonyms of broken stowage include efficient packing, maximum utilization of space, and full stowage.
The same root words
The root words of broken stowage are broken and stowage. Broken means damaged or in a state of disrepair, while stowage refers to the act of storing or packing cargo on a ship.
Example Sentences
- The ship’s captain was concerned about the broken stowage in the cargo hold, which could lead to financial losses.
- The crew worked tirelessly to ensure that there was no broken stowage on the ship, as it could create safety hazards.
- The shipping company lost a significant amount of money due to the broken stowage caused by inefficient packing.
- The cargo was packed efficiently, with no broken stowage, ensuring maximum utilization of space.
- The shipping company invested in new technology to eliminate broken stowage and improve efficiency.