Glossary Of International Shipping Terms: K

Jump to: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z  | Download glossary as PDF

Keel

The main center-line structural member, running fore and aft along the bottom of a ship, sometimes referred to as the backbone.

Knot

A unit of speed. The term "knot" means velocity in nautical miles per hour whether of a vessel or current. One nautical mile is roughly equivalent to 1.15 statute miles or 1.85 kilometers.