Ship Deadweight Increase (DWT Increase)

Foreship by RINA supports shipowners in assessing and implementing Draft and Deadweight (DWT) increase solutions, enabling vessels to carry more cargo while maintaining full regulatory compliance.

What we offer

Our DWT Increase service is designed to be simple, efficient, and results-driven, structured in two main steps:

Step 1: freeboard capability assessment

Our engineering team performs an initial evaluation of the vessel’s freeboard capability based on available data.

Fast and cost-effective analysis.
Identification of draft increase feasibility.
Early indication of DWT increase potential.

Step 2: detailed stability and structural calculations

Following a positive assessment, we proceed with a detailed technical evaluation (upon client's authorization).

Full stability analysis (intact and damage stability if and when required).
Structural verification under increased load conditions if and when required.
Updated loading booklets ensuring compliance with applicable rules.
Verification of Equipment Number (EN) and anchoring/mooring requirements.

Upon request, additional optional services can be provided, if needed: container plan, visibility plan and grain stability booklet.

Increased cargo capacity

Carry more cargo per voyage and optimise vessel utilization

Higher revenues

Improve profitability, especially on weight-limited trades

Improved CII performance

Enhance carbon efficiency over time through higher transport efficiency

No major structural modifications required

Optimise existing assets with minimal intervention

Why Foreship by RINA?

Our team combines deep technical expertise with extensive experience in DWT Increase projects.

Proven track record with numerous successful DWT increase assessments and implementations.
Strong knowledge of international regulations and class requirements.
Tailored solutions based on vessel-specific characteristics.
Reliable partner for both technical execution and regulatory compliance.

Our experience enables shipowners to unlock hidden capacity while improving both economic and environmental performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is an engineering assessment to legally increase a vessel’s draft and unlock additional cargo capacity while maintaining regulatory compliance.

It can maximise revenue per voyage by carrying more cargo, and it may also support improved long-term CII performance.

Step 1 is a Freeboard Capability Assessment: a fast, cost-effective check to confirm whether a draft increase is feasible.

Step 2 delivers detailed intact/damage stability and structural calculations, leading to updated stability documentation for compliance.

You provide key vessel drawings/data (e.g., load line certificate, GA, stability booklets, structural plans); you receive technical reports and updated stability booklets for approval