Maritime glossary · Length Overall
LOA
The maximum length of a vessel from the foremost to the aftmost point, including any fixed projections.
Definition
LOA is the figure quoted on every spec sheet and used by ports, locks, and dry docks to confirm a vessel will physically fit. It is measured at the extremes of the hull including any fixed projections like a bulbous bow or stern flap. LOA is the constraining dimension for berth length and lock chamber length. Get it wrong by a metre and the call gets diverted.
Worked example
An ultra-large container ship at 400 m LOA is too long for the original Panama Canal locks (294 m LOA limit) but fits the New Panamax locks (366 m LOA).
How Vessel Hunter uses LOA
Vessel Hunter exposes LOA, beam, and draught on every dossier, so port agents can confirm berth fit in one click and shipyards can match vessels to dry-dock capacity.
Related terms
- Beam
The widest point of a vessel, the constraining dimension for lock chambers, dry docks, and some terminals.
- Draught
The vertical distance from the waterline to the deepest point of the hull, the constraint that decides which ports a loaded vessel can enter.
- DWTDeadweight Tonnage
The maximum weight in tonnes a vessel can carry (cargo, fuel, ballast, crew, stores) without exceeding its load line.
- Berth
The specific quay or jetty position where a vessel ties up to load, discharge, or lay up.
The bigger picture
LOA is one piece of the commercial maritime picture Vessel Hunter pulls together for shipyards, suppliers, service providers, and port agents. Every vessel record bundles AIS, ownership, inspections, dry-dock history, casualty record, classification status, and a verified contact for the operator decision-maker behind the ship, so the team that reaches out first wins the work.
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