Broken Stowage

Broken stowage refers to the empty spaces that remain after cargo has been loaded because the available space cannot be completely filled. It is commonly encountered when loading irregularly shaped, oversized, or heavy cargo, where gaps are unavoidable to ensure safe stowage and proper weight distribution. Excessive broken stowage reduces the effective cargo-carrying capacity of a vessel, increases transportation costs per unit of cargo, and requires careful stowage planning to minimize wasted space while maintaining safety and cargo integrity.