Grain space.The grainspace is the complete capacity of the ship’s cargo spaces (including hatchways), measured in cubic feet or cubic metres.
The measurements are taken from the tank top or top of ceiling, where fitted, to the underside of the deck plating and to the outside of the ship’s frames. The grainspace is the capacity available for cargo shipped in bulk, which is free to flow between the frames and beams.
The term “grainspace” not only refers to gram in bulk, but to all commodities so shipped such as coal, phosphate, salt, etc. Cargo shipped in bulk can flow to the ship’s sides, so that the space inside of cargo battens and beams is fully utilised.
The difference between grain and bale space varies from 2 – 10 per cent depending on the type of vessel.
