Definitions for "Deadweight tonnage"
The number of long tons (see ton) of cargo, stores, water, and fuel a vessel can transport. Relative to cargo, the weights for stores, water, and fuel are not significant. You can use DWT as a quick reference for the cargo carrying capacity of a ship.
This is the actual number of tons of cargo bunkers stores, etc. That can be put on board a ship to bring her down to her marks.
the cargo capacity of a vessel.