M | Measurement (ton of 35,3 cubic feet) or Meter |
M/D | Months after date or Malicious damage |
M/E or ME | Main Engine |
M/M | Minimum/Maximum |
M/M or MIN/MAX | Minimum / maximum |
M/R | Mate’s receipt |
M/S | Motor Ship or Mate's Receipt |
M/V | Motor vessel/merchant vessel |
M/V or MV | Motor Vessel |
M/Y | Motor yacht |
M/Y or MY | Motor yacht |
MAA | Mina Al Ahmadi |
Macro-Bridge | Also known as "land bridge:. It is the same as mini-bridge, except that it involves substitution of land transportation across the United States in place of water service, for traffic that originates and terminates outside of the United States. |
Mainstay | A stay that extends from the maintop to the foot of the foremast of a sailing ship. Currently, a thing upon which something is based or depends. |
Maintenance Platform, jack up | A jack up offshore maintenance platform |
Maintenance Platform, semi Submersible | A semi submersible offshore maintenance platform |
MAK | Maximale ArbeitsplatzKonzentrationen (maximal occupational exposure concentrations) |
Malaccamax | Malaccamax is a naval architecture term for the largest size of ship capable of fitting through the 25 metres (82 ft)-deep Strait of Malacca. |
Malpractice | A carrier giving a customer illegal preference to attract cargo. This can take the form of a money refund (rebate); using lower figures than actual for the assessment of freight charges (undercubing); misdeclaration of the commodity shipped to allow the assessment of a lower tariff rate; waiving pub- lished tariff charges for demurrage, CFS handling or equalization; providing specialized equipment to a shipper to the detriment of other shippers, etc. |
Mandamu | A writ issued by a court; requires that specific things be done. |
Manifest | a detailed summary sheet of all cargo being carried for each vessel trip; information also includes origin, destination, value, number, etc. |
Manifold | Area of a tanker featuring pipes and valves for intake and offloading of cargo. |
MAP | Mono-ammonium phosphate |
Margarines | Margarines are semi-solid or consistent fatty foods originally developed to imitate dairy butter. They
therefore contain a proportion of emulsified aqueous phase similar to that found in butter. The amount of moisture
permitted in margarine is limited by law to a maximum of 16% in most countries while the fat content is required to
be at least 80%. The aqueous phase may contain dissolved salt and an amount of milk solids treated to impart a
butter-like flavour. Permitted colour is often added to give a butter-like pale yellow. Vitamins A and D are also often added. While the original purpose in developing margarine over 100 years ago was to supplement inadequate
supplies of butter, there has been considerable diversifications of margarine products, particularly in the last 30
years. The following main types can be listed -
a. table margarines in packets;
b. table margarines in tubs;
c. tub margarine with a high content of poly-unsaturated oils;
d. domestic cooking margarines;
e. industrial margarines for general purposes, and
f. industrial margarines for puff pastry.
Nowadays, the trend is to reduce the fat content to produce spreads or ""halvarines"". |
Marine Insurance | Broadly, insurance covering loss or damage of goods at sea. Marine insurance typically compensates the owner of merchandise for losses sustained from fire, shipwreck, etc., but excludes losses that can be recovered from the carrier. |
Marine Oils | The first common source of marine oil was obtained from whales. Today, whale numbers have been
reduced to insignificance. Various types of fish are caught for processing into meal and oil, for example, herring,
menhaden and anchovy. After refining and partial hydrogenation fish oils, are useful ingredients for margarines and
shortenings. World production is close to one million tonnes. |
Marine pollutant | Substances, articles or materials which, if released into the aquatic environment, may cause serious environmental damage. |
Maritime | Business pertaining to commerce or navigation transacted upon the sea or in seaports in such matters as the court of admiralty has jurisdiction. |
Maritime Domain | It is all areas and things of, on, under, relating to, adjacent to, or bordering on a sea, ocean, or other navigable waterway, including all maritime related activities, infrastructure, people, cargo, and vessels and other conveyances. |
Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) | It is the effective understanding of anything associated with the global maritime domain that could impact the security, safety, economy, or environment of the United States. |
Maritime lien | A right in the propery of a ship, conferred by law for seamens wages, salvage, etc. |
Maritime Security and Safety Information System (MSSIS) | It shares and displays vessel Automated Identification System (AIS) data real–time with multiple international users through a web–based, password–protected system. |
Maritime Waterways | Inland waterways linked to the sea, basically used for the traffic of seagoing vessels and designated as such under national law |
Mark I | WW designation for ro-ro carriers built in 1978-79 |
Mark II | WW designation for ro-ro carriers built in 1984 |
Mark III | WW designation for ro-ro carriers built in 1996 |
Mark IV | WW designation for ro-ro carriers built in 2000-01 |
Market related | see FLOATING PRICE |
Markets | Markets for oleochemicals continue to evolve, with niche markets developing continually.
Nonetheless, the main end-use markets include building auxiliaries, candles, cleaning agents, cosmetics,
detergents, fire extinguishing agents, flotation agents, food emulsifiers, insecticides, pharmaceuticals, plastics,
rubber, soaps and detergents, textiles and tyres. |
Marking | Letters, numbers, and other symbols placed on cargo packages to facilitate identification. Also known as marks. |
Marlinespike | A pointed metal spike, used to separate strands of rope in splicing. |
MARPOL | The abbreviated term for the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution by Ships (MARine POLlution) The International regulations concerning the construction of vessels and procedures to be followed to prevent pollution of the sea by oil, no |
MARPOL 73/78 | International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1978 |
Marpol Category | The Pollution Category (X, Y, Z) assigned to each product under Annex II of MARPOL 73/78. OS means the product was evaluated, and found to fall outside the categories X, Y, or Z. I indicates that the product is an Annex 1 product. |
MARPOL Pollution Category | This refers to the pollution categories designated in the “MARPOL 73/78” regulations:
X to Z - Pollution category of the cargo as evaluated by MARPOL. “X” means highest environment impact
OS - Pollution category is evaluated, but outside categories X to Z.
Annex I - Included in 'List of Oils' |
MARS | Nautical Institute Marine Accident Reporting System |
MarView | It is an integrated, data–driven environment providing essential information to support the strategic requirements of the United States Marine Transportation System and its contribution to economic viability of the nation. |
Mass explosion | Explosion which affects almost the entire load virtually instantaneously. |
Master | An officer qualified to command a ship. Usually refers to the Captain. |
Master Inbound | U.S. Customs’ automated program under AMS. It allows for electronic reporting of inbound (foreign) cargoes in the U.S. |
Mate’s Receipt | An archaic practice. An acknowledgement of cargo receipt signed by a mate of the vessel. The possessor of the mate’s receipt is entitled to the bill of lading, in exchange for that receipt. |
MATS | Material(s) |
MAX | Maximum |
MAXBACTAP | Max But As Close To As Possible |
MB | Merchant Broker |
MB/T | Motor blocks/ turnings |
MBL | Minimum Breaking Load |
MBM | Multi-Buoy Moorings |
MBM | 1,000 board feet. One MBM equals 2,265 C.M. |
MBTE | Methyl tert-butyl ether |
MCFS | Master Container Freight Station. See CFS. |
MCO | Maximum continous output |
MCR | Maximum Continuous Rating - Maximum warranted power an engine can sustain under continuous operation. |
MCS | Maritime Security Code |
MCT | Medium-Chain Triglyceride. Triglycerides containing fatty acid chains of 6-10 carbon atoms which are readily absorbed by the body. |
MDO | Marine diesel oil |
MDO | Marine diesel oil |
MDO or DO | Marine diesel oil |
MDSE | Merchandise |
MDWT | Metric DeadWeight Tons |
ME | Main Engine |
MEA | Monoethanolamine |
Measurement Cargo | Freight on which transportation charges are calculated on the basis of volume measurement. |
Measurement Ton | 40 cubic feet. |
MECH | Mechanical |
Mechanical Lift Dock | A lifting dock facility using winches to lower and raise platform |
Mechanically Ventilated Container | A container fitted with a means of forced air ventilation. |
Mechanism of toxicity | The way in which a chemical alters basic biological functions and structures in order to exert its toxic effect(s) |
MED | Mediterranean |
Medium-speed diesel | Moderately large diesel engines such as those which propel large boats and heavy-duty locomotives. These engines burn a heavy gasoil which sometimes takes their name. |
MEG | Middle East Gulf |
Megaports Initiative | It is a National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) initiative, started in 2003. It teams up with other countries to enhance their ability to screen cargo at major international seaports. The Initiative provides radiation detection equipment and trains their personnel to specifically check for nuclear or other radioactive materials. In return, NNSA requires that data be shared on detections and seizures of nuclear or radiological material that resulted from the use of the equipment provided. |
MEK | Methyl Ethyl Ketone |
Melting | When heated sufficiently, a solid changes state to a liquid. The melting of a fat depends on its previous
triglyceride composition. The baking or spreading performance of commercial fats depends greatly on their melting
behaviour. Solid fat content measurement is commonly used to monitor this behaviour. |
MEM | Moment |
MEMO | Memorandum |
Memorandum Bill of Lading | An in–house bill of lading. A duplicate copy. |
Memorandum Freight Bill | See Multiple Container load Shipment. |
MeOH | Methyl Alcohol = Methanol |
MEPC | Marine Environment Protection Committee |
Mercaptans | Mercaptan sulfur. Excessive concentrations of these malodorous organic sulfur molecules make motor gasoline unmerchantable. Blenders, therefore, want to know the mercaptan content of components they could consider buying. The kerosene trade pays careful attention to this form of sulfur too. Jet fuel, and sometimes burning kerosene, have mercaptans limits. |
merger | The joining of two or more (shipowning) companies |
MESA | Most Environmentally Sensitive Area |
MESSRS | Messieurs or Gentlemen or Sirs |
Metacenter or transverse metacenter | Ship Stability: The highest point to which G may rise and still permit the vessel to have positive stability. Found at the intersection of the line of action of B when the ship is erect with the line of action of B when the ship is given a small inclination. |
Metals content | A specification of concern to buyers of fuel oil and vacuum gasoil.Heavy metals, such as nickel, vanadium, and copper, poison cat-cracking catalysts.Most refiners specify a maximum metals limit for the catfeed and vacuum unit feedstock they would consider purchasing.Traces of metal, particularly lead, also worry reformer feedstock buyers. |
Metaxylene | Metaxylene is an isomer of mixed xylene. It is used as an intermediate in the manufacture of polyesters for coatings, inks, reinforced plastics, and packaging applications. |
Meter | 39.37 inches (approximately). |
Methaemoglobin generator | A substance capable of converting the oxygen carrying molecule (haemoglobin) in the red blood cell to an oxidized form (methaemoglobin), which has a reduced capacity to transport oxygen. |
Methane | A colorless, odorless, flammable gas that occurs abundantly in nature as the chief constituent of natural gas, as a component of firedamp in coal mines, and as a product of the decomposition of organic matter. Methane is used as a fuel and as a starting material in chemical synthesis. |
Methanol | Methanol, a colorless alcohol, is a chemical used in the production of formaldehyde, acetic acid and methyl methacrylate (MMA), and is used as a solvent in many applications. It is also used to produce MTBE. |
Methyl Esters | The fatty acid composition of an oil is normally determined by using Gas Liquid Chromatography of the fatty acid methyl esters (FAME analysis). The methyl ester derivatives of fatty acids are comparatively volatile. Methyl esters of fatty acids are conveniently prepared by displacing the glycerol from the triglycerides of the oil, using methanol in the presence of an alkaline or acidic catalyst. |
Methylamines | Methylamines (mono-, di- and tri) and their derivatives are alkaline substances that are produced by reacting ammonia and methanol, in the gas phase at high temperatures and high pressure. Methylamines are available as anhydrous liquefied gases and as aqueous solutions. |
Metric Ton | 2,204.6 pounds or 1,000 kilograms. |
MEX | Mexico |
MF | Medium Frequency |
MFAG | Medical First Aid Guide |
MFG | Manufacturing |
MFRS | Manufactures |
MG/R | Managing/Manager |
MGA | Master''s general account |
MGO | Marine gas oil |
MGT | Management |
MH | Main hatch |
MHE | Materials handling equipment |
MHHW | Mean Higher High Water |
MHI | Car carriers built at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 2004-06 |
MHW | Mean High Water |
MHWN | Mean high water neaps: and |
MHWS | Mean High Water Spring Tides |
MIAP | Mortgagee interest additional perils pollution |
MIBK | Methyl Isobutyl Ketone |
MIC | Man-In-Charge |
Micro-Bridge | Interior point intermodal service similar to mini-bridge, except that cargo originates or terminates at an inland city rather than another port city. The cargo moves on a single (ocean) bill of lading to and from the interior point and the port. |
Microbridge | A cargo movement in which the water carrier provides a through service between an inland point and the port of load/discharge. The carrier is responsible for cargo and costs from origin on to destina- tion. Also known as IPI or Through Service. |
MICS | Member of The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, London |
MID | Middle |
Mid-point | The temperature where 50 percent (weight or volume basis, as specified) of a natural material or refined product has boiled.Sometimes called 50 percent point. |
Middle distillates | Products heavier than motor gasolinenaphtha and lighter than residual fuel oil.This range includes heating oil, diesel, kerosene, and jet kero. |
Midship | Approximately in the location equally distant from the bow and stern
|
MII | Mortgagee interest insurance
|
Mile | A unit equal to 5,280 feet on land.A nautical mile is 6076.115. |
Mill Scale | A thick oxide coating formed on the steel when heated, e.g., in connection with hot working or heat treatment |
MIN | Minute or Minimum |
MIN/MAX | Minimum/Maximum (cargo quantity) |
MIN/MAX OR | Minimum / maximum |
Minehunter | A naval vessel equipped for detecting explosive marine mines |
Minelayer | A naval vessel designed for laying marine mines |
Minesweeper | A naval vessel equipped for detecting, destroying, removing, or neutralizing explosive marine mines |
Mini Landbridge | An intermodal system for transporting containers by ocean and then by rail or motor to a port previously served as an all–water move (e.g., Hong Kong to New York over Seattle). |
Mini-Bridge | Substitution of rail or truck service for water transportation between two U.S. port cities for cargo originating or terminating in a port city. |
Minimum Bill of Lading | A clause in a bill of lading which specifies the least charge that the carrier will make for issuing a lading. The charge may be a definite sum or the current charge per ton for any specified quantity. |
Minimum Charge | The lowest charge that can be assessed to transport a shipment. |
Mining Vessel | A vessel equipped for offshore mining operations, most commonly diamonds |
MIO | Millon(s) |
MIP | Marine insurance policy |
MISC | Miscellaneous |
Miscible | In this guidebook, means material that mixes readily with water. |
Mission Ship | A mobile vessel used for missionary work |
MITI | Ministry of International Trade & Industry (JP) |
Mixed Container Load | A container load of different articles in a single consignment. |
MKT | Market |
ML | Motor launch |
MLB | Mini-landbridge |
MLC | Meters of Liquid Column |
MLD | Moulded |
MLLW | Mean low low water |
MLS | Miles |
MLW | Mean low water |
MLWN | Mean low water neaps. Average depths of water available at the times of low and of high tides during periods of Neap Tides |
MLWS | Mean Low Water Spring Tides |
MM | Marketing Manual |
MM | Engine Room (OCIMF acronym) |
mm | millimetre |
MMA | Methyl Methacrylate. A chemical derived from propylene, used for the manufacture of polymethyl methacrylate and also for polymer dispersions and other resins. |
MMFB | Middlewest Motor Freight Bureau. |
MMPD | Maximum Most Probable Discharge |
MMS | APPE Monthly Monitoring of Monomers. APPE is a major group within the Association of Petrochemicals Producers in Europe (APPE). For more information, click here. |
MMSI | Maritime Mobile Selective Call Identity Code |
MNLO | Merchant Navy Liaison Officer |
MO | Managing Owner |
MOA | Memorandum of Agreement: A contract form specifying the terms and conditions covering the sale and purchase of a merchant ship |
MOD | Ministry of Defence |
Modified Atmosphere | A blend of gases tailored to replace the normal atmosphere within a container. |
MODU | Mobile Offshore Drilling Units |
Mogas | An abbreviation of motor gasoline. |
MOH | Medical Officer of Health |
Moisture | Since water is only very slightly soluble in fats, it is present only in small amounts and is referred to as
moisture. Moisture in oils and fats may be determined by drying, distillation, absorption or titrimetry. The presence
of water, especially when in large amounts, may enhance hydrolysis especially at elevated temperatures. |
MOL | More or Less |
Molasses Tanker | A tanker for the bulk carriage of molasses |
MOLCHOP | More Or Less CHarterers OPtion |
MOLCHOPT | More or less in Charterers option |
MOLCHOPT or MOLCO | More or Less Charterers Option |
MOLCO | More or less Charterers option |
Molecule | Chemical combination of two or more atoms of the same chemical element (such as O2 - which is Oxygen) or different chemical elements (such as H2O - which is water). |
MOLOO | More or less in owners' option |
Molten Sulphur Tanker | A tanker for the bulk carriage of molten sulphur in insulated tanks at a high temperature |
MOM | Moment |
Moment | Ship Stability: The product of two numbers, for example the force or weight moved multiplied by a distance |
MON | MONitors (fire) |
MON (Motor Octane Number) | A rating of the anti-knock properties of a finished motor gasoline or blendstock. The test determines MON simulates demanding engine operating conditions such as substantial loads and high speeds. The MON method yields lower numbers than the RON (research octane number) test which reflects milder conditions. |
Monoglyceride (Monoacylglycerol) | Monoglyceride is a compound used as an emulsifier in
margarine/peanut butter etc, to help the uniform dispersion of oil in water. Monoglycerides do not occur naturally in appreciable quantities except in fats and oils that have undergone partial hydrolysis. For instance, fats and oils that are damaged or spoiled in the field or in storage and have abnormally high free fatty acid contents will have
corresponding high di- or monoglyceride content. |
Monomer | A molecule that can combine with others to form a polymer. |
Monomer | One molecular unit which links with others of its own or a similar kind to form a Styrene monomers, for instance, connect to form the familiar plastic, polystyrene. |
Monounsaturated | A fatty acid containing only one pair of carbon-carbon double bonds. |
Montreal Protocol | International agreement which aims to protect the ozone layer. Forms part of the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP)
|
Mooring | An arrangement for securing a ship to a mooring buoy or pier |
Mooring Buoy | A mooring buoy |
Mooring Vessel | A vessel equipped to assist with the mooring and/or anchoring of larger vessels. Typically it will have a frame to prevent the ropes and chains fouling on the superstructure |
Mooring Vessel, Naval Auxiliary | A naval auxiliary vessel designed to assist with the mooring and or anchoring of larger vessels |
MOP | Muriate of Potash |
MOS | Months |
MOS or MTHS | Months |
MOT | Ministry of Transport or Monthly Overtime |
Motor alkylate | Full name of a gasoline blendstock often simply called alkylate. |
Motor gasoline | Petroleum-derived fuel blend intended to power spark-ignited internal combustion automobile engines. This propellant's boiling range can span C4 through 430 F. In practice, it usually has a somewhat lower end point. Mogas must meet various specifications depending on the where and when it sells. Governments, climates, seasons, and market organizations all impose quality restrictions on the product. Most grades intended for modern motors resemble the fuel described by ASTM D 439. Mogas differs in some respects from aviation gasoline (avgas) a mixture blended for internal combustion aeroplane engines |
MOU | Memorandum of Understanding |
MOU PARIS | Memorandum of Understanding (Paris) |
MP | Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether |
MPA | Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate |
MPG | Monopropylene Glycol. Produced by reacting propylene oxide with water. Monopropylene glycol is widely used for its solvent properties in the pharmaceutical, food, flavor and personal care industries. It is more widely used as an anti-freeze/de-icer, grinding aid, heat transfer fluid, component in hydraulic fluids, humectant, and surface coating industries. |
MPG / USP | Pharmaceutical grade monopropylene glycol |
MPH | Miles per hour |
MPP | Multi-purpose (type of ship) |
MR | Medium Range (tanker): A vessel designed for carrying refined petroleum products in bulk tanks (25,000 dwt - 44,999 dwt approx). MR tankers primarily transport refined oil products on intra-regional routes between the oil refineries. Only on rare occasions are they employed over longer distances. |
MRA | Marine Response Alliance |
MRNG | Morning |
MRX | Medium range cross-purpose tanker |
MS | Months after sight or Machinery survey |
MSA | Merchant Shipping Act or Mine Safety Appliances |
MSC | Manchester Ship Canal; Maritime Safety Committee |
MSDS | Material Safety Data Sheet |
MSG | Methacrylates Sector Group, a sector group of the Association of Petrochemicals Producers in Europe (APPE). For more information, click here. |
MSL | Mean Sea Level |
MSM | Minimum safe manning (flag states minimum approved manning for a vessel) |
MSO | Marine Safety Office (U.S. Coast Guard) |
MSP | A U.S. Department of Transportation program that helps to assure sufficient sealift to support the United States Armed Forces and U.S. emergency sealift needs, using commercial ships. |
MSRC | Marine Spill Response Corporation |
MSS | Maritime Safety and Security |
Mst | Measurement |
MSV | Motor support vessel |
MT | Mean Time or Metric Tons |
MT or MTONS or MTS | Metric Tonnes |
MT, M.T. or M/T | Refers to any self-propelled tanker, i.e. tanker fitted with diesel engine for propulsion. |
MTBE | MTBE is not covered under the chemical code and thus is not subject to the exemptions for carriage of chemicals. MTBE has become a large trade and is often carried in oil vessels as well as chemicals ones. The product is volatile and there is no technic |
MTL | Mean tidal level |
MTO | Multimodal transport operator |
MTONS | Metric Tonnes |
MTOTS | Marine Terminal Operators Training System |
MTPA | Million metric tonnes per annum |
MTSA | The Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, is designed to protect ports and waterways from terrorists attacks. The law is the U.S. equivalent of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code(ISPS), and was fully implemented on July 1, 2004. It requires vessels and port facilities to con- duct vulnerability assessments and develop security plans that may include passenger, vehicle, and baggage screening procedures; security patrols; establishing restricted areas; personnel identification procedures; access control measures; and/or installation of surveillance equipment. |
MTSC | Marine Technical Sub-Committee |
Multimodal | Synonymous for all practical purposes with “Intermodal.” |
Multipurpose ship | General cargo ship which can also carry containers |
MultiTank Container | A container frame fitted to accommodate two or more separate tanks for liquids. |
Munitions Carrier | A naval auxiliary Vessel for the carriage of munitions |
Museum, Stationary | A stationary vessel of interest preserved as a museum exhibit. |
Mutagen | An agent that causes biological mutation |
MV | Merchant Vessel: A vessel propelled by an engine |
MWC | Meter Water Column |
Myristic Acid | Myristic acid (C14:0) is a saturated intermediate chain length fatty acid found mainly in coconut,
palm kernel and milk fats. It is also a minor constituent of most animal and vegetable fats. |