tonnage certificate

A tonnage certificate is an official document used in maritime operations that indicates the carrying capacity of a ship or vessel. It specifies the vessel's gross tonnage (total volume) and net tonnage (payload capacity), essential for determining taxes, port fees, and compliance with regulations. This certificate is crucial for shipowners and operators, as it helps ensure that their vessels meet international and national shipping standards, affecting safety, stability, and environmental concerns. Essentially, it provides a standardized way to understand how much cargo a ship can legally transport.