ACRONYM - Compressed natural gas, primarily methane.

A measure of air compressor efficiency, usually in the form of bhp/100 acfm or acfm/bhp

A metal plate, strap, or rod bolted to the hull structure to which the lower ends of shrouds and stays are attached

A non-profit entity that represents the interests of a number of shippers. The main focus of shippers associations is to pool the cargo volumes of members to leverage the most favorable service contract rate levels.

A combination of one or more blocks and the associated tackle necessary to give a mechanical advantage. Useful for lifting heavy loads.

(1) A small coastal inlet generally protected from the worst of the prevailing winds. (2) A thin, hollowed line cut along a yacht's sheer below deck level and traditionally gilded.

In sailboat racing, to have a controlling position over competitors by staying between them and the next mark or buoy - a tactical maneuver in which the lead boat stays between the trailing boat and the wind or the next mark.

Sailing with the wind coming from the stern or quarter of the boat.

Same as two blocks.

Port where cargo is unloaded and enters a country.

An articulated five-platform rail car that allows containers to be double stacked. A typical stack car holds ten 40-foot equivalent units (FEU's).

A document, certified by a consular official, is required by some countries to describe a shipment. Used by Customs of the foreign country, to verify the value, quantity and nature of the cargo.

A boom on a jib or staysail.

A pair of vertical wooden or iron heads on board ship, used for securing mooring or towing lines. Similar to dock bollards.

A power or sailing boat used by pi-lots (men who have local knowledge of navigation hazards of ports).

Center point of all underwater area of the hull where the hull's lateral resistance can be said to be centered.

Place where cargo is loaded and leaves a country.

Compressors in which successive volumes of air or gas are confined within a closed space, and compressed. They may be either reciprocating or rotating. (Trap air and then squeeze it to the desired pressure).

Arrangements with a steamship line to transport containerized cargo.

Two half hitches around a spar or post. Easy way to make a line temporarily fast to a piling or post. The clove hitch can jam under heavy tension, making it difficult to untie. Worse, is its tendency to untie itself when subjected to repeated strain and r ...