DWT vs GT - which capacity basis applies?

Formula, assumptions, limits

Cargo ships use deadweight because that’s a direct measure of cargo-carrying capability. Passenger and cruise ships don’t carry cargo in any comparable sense, so their capacity is measured in gross tonnage - a measure of enclosed volume that correlates with passenger load. Ro-ro vehicle carriers and ro-pax straddle the line (they carry both vehicles and people) and use GT for the CII basis.

Ship typeEEDI / EEXICII

Bulk carrier, Oil tanker, Container ship, LNG/Gas carrier, General cargo, RefrigeratedDWTDWT Ro-Ro cargo shipDWTGT Ro-Ro vehicle carrier (PCTC)DWTGT Ro-PaxDWTGT Cruise shipGTGT