TEU in maritime transport

If you are interested in maritime transport, you have probably come across the term TEU. This term is key in the container shipping industry and is often used to determine the capacity of container ships. But what exactly does TEU mean and why is it so important?

What is TEU?

TEU is an abbreviation for “Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit”. It is a standardized unit of measurement used in maritime transport to determine the capacity of ships and containers. One TEU corresponds to the volume of a standard 20-foot container, which measures approximately 20 feet in length, 8 feet in width, and 8 feet in height. This size allows the transport of various types of goods and facilitates handling in ports.

Why is TEU important?

TEU allows easy comparison of the capacities of different container ships and determines how many containers a ship can carry. For example, a ship with a capacity of 1,000 TEU can carry 1,000 standard 20-foot containers. If another ship has a capacity of 2,000 TEU, it can carry twice that amount. In this way, TEU simplifies planning and logistics in maritime transport and helps shipping companies manage capacity efficiently.

How is TEU used in practice?

In maritime transport, containers 20 and 40 feet in length are commonly used. The TEU concept helps standardize these dimensions. For example, a 40-foot container is counted as two TEU. Calculating ship capacity in TEU therefore provides a clear idea of how much space is available for transporting goods. Companies also use TEU when determining freight rates, meaning that knowing the number of TEU in your shipment can affect the overall transportation cost.

The difference between TEU and FEU

In addition to TEU, the term FEU is also used in maritime transport, which is an abbreviation for “Forty-foot Equivalent Unit”. FEU represents the equivalent of a 40-foot container, which is a common size used for transporting larger volumes of goods. One FEU equals two TEU, which means that if a ship can carry 500 FEU, its capacity is 1,000 TEU.

History and development of TEU

The use of TEU as a standard unit of measurement in maritime transport has a long history. This system was introduced to simplify and unify the way container ship capacity is measured. Over the years, TEU has become a globally recognized standard measure that facilitates trade between countries and ensures the smooth transport of goods around the world.

The importance of TEU in modern trade

In today’s globalized world, sea freight is a key aspect of international trade. Containers are widely used to transport everything from electronics to food, not only between continents but also within individual countries. TEU helps not only logistics companies but also business partners to better understand transport capacities and possibilities, which is essential for effective planning and supply chain management.

Summary

TEU, or twenty-foot equivalent unit, is a fundamental unit of measurement used in maritime transport to determine the capacity of containers and ships. TEU simplifies logistics and planning, facilitates comparison of the capacities of different ships, and plays a key role in modern international trade. Understanding the term TEU is essential for everyone involved in or interested in maritime transport.

Keywords: TEU, twenty-foot equivalent unit, maritime transport, container ship, capacity, FEU, intermodal container, standard size, global trade.