the Tonnage System

The Tonnage System is a way to measure the size or cargo capacity of a ship. It isn't just weight; it often refers to "gross tonnage," which measures the total internal volume of a vessel's enclosed spaces, or "net tonnage," which is the cargo-carrying space. This system helps determine things like port fees, safety regulations, and vessel classification. Essentially, it provides a standardized way to quantify a ship’s size for regulatory and commercial purposes, focusing on the volume available inside rather than weight.