Engaged tonnage

Engaged tonnage is the carrying capacity already committed against future cargo, the ships and deadweight that are fixed or contracted and therefore unavailable to the spot market. Brokers and analysts track engaged versus open tonnage to read the supply-demand balance: when most prompt tonnage in a load area is engaged, rates firm because charterers compete for the few open ships. The figure appears in position lists and market reports alongside open tonnage and prompt positions. It is a forward-supply measure, distinct from total fleet capacity.