How the stowage factor formula works
The stowage factor tells you how much volume one tonne of cargo will occupy in a hold. Multiply by the intended parcel size and add the broken stowage allowance to estimate the total volumetric space you need to book.
Grain vs bale capacity
Grain capacity is measured to the inside of the plating and is used for free-flowing bulk cargoes. Bale capacity is the smaller usable volume measured to the inside of the frames and beams, used for packaged, bagged or baled cargo. Always match the hold capacity type to the cargo profile.
Broken stowage explained
Broken stowage is the volume lost to gaps between packages, dunnage, trimming losses and irregular shapes. Uniform bulk cargoes may use 2–5%, while breakbulk parcels of steel, project cargo or bagged goods can lose 15–25% or more of the hold to broken stowage.
Typical stowage factors for dry bulk cargoes
| Cargo | SF (m³/MT) | SF (ft³/LT) |
|---|---|---|
| Iron Ore | 0.35 – 0.50 | 13 – 18 |
| Coal | 1.20 – 1.50 | 43 – 54 |
| Wheat / Grain | 1.25 – 1.40 | 45 – 50 |
| Steel Coils | 0.40 – 0.70 | 14 – 25 |
Dead freight risk
When hold utilization falls well below 100%, the charterer may owe dead freight on the unused space. Running this check at fixture stage helps size parcels correctly and avoid surprise claims after loading.
Frequently asked questions
What is a stowage factor in shipping?
The stowage factor (SF) is the volume, in m³ or ft³, occupied by one tonne of cargo when stowed in a ship's hold. It varies by commodity, packaging, moisture and particle size.
What is the difference between grain and bale capacity?
Grain capacity measures the total volume a hold can hold when filled with free-flowing bulk cargo like grain or ore. Bale capacity is the smaller usable volume for packaged cargo, measured to the inside of the frames and beams.
What is broken stowage?
Broken stowage is the space lost between packages, dunnage and irregular shapes. It is expressed as a percentage of the required volume and typically ranges from 2% for uniform bulk to 25% or more for irregular breakbulk.
What are typical stowage factors for dry bulk cargoes?
Iron ore ≈ 0.35–0.50 m³/MT, coal ≈ 1.20–1.50 m³/MT, wheat and grain ≈ 1.25–1.40 m³/MT, steel coils ≈ 0.40–0.70 m³/MT. Always confirm the actual SF for the specific parcel with the shipper.
What is dead freight?
Dead freight is the freight payable by the charterer for cargo space that was booked but not used. Low volumetric utilization on a voyage charter can trigger a dead freight claim from the shipowner.
How do I choose between m³/MT and ft³/LT?
Use m³/MT with metric hold volumes (m³) and metric tonnes. Use ft³/LT (cubic feet per long ton) when working with imperial hold plates. Both must be kept consistent with the hold volume unit.