Cargo stowage plan

a charted plan of the vessel’s cargo-carrying spaces which illustrates the type, tonnage and description of goods for designated discharge in the various intended ports of call for the voyage. The plan is constructed by the Cargo Officer and is meant to provide an overall illustration of the distribution of the ship’s cargo. The plan is copied and despatched to the various ports of discharge prior to the ship’s arrival on the berth. It allows relevant cranes to be ordered and stevedore gangs to be employed in advance which subsequently speeds up the time of the vessel lying in port. It is considered essential for dry cargo vessels, tankers, bulk carriers and container vessels to all carry stowage plans respective to their relevant cargoes.