What is the displacement of a ship measured in?

The displacement of a ship is typically measured in long tons. Displacement refers to the weight of the water that a ship displaces when it is floating, which directly correlates to the ship's weight. Long tons, specifically, are a unit of mass equal to 1,016 kilograms or approximately 2,240 pounds, and this measurement is commonly used in the maritime industry, particularly in countries that follow the Imperial system.

While metric tons, short tons, and pounds could technically describe mass or weight, long tons are the standard measure used for naval architecture and marine engineering in relation to ship displacement. This is due to their historical use and their alignment with the older British Imperial system, which remains prevalent in maritime contexts. Thus, understanding the utilization of long tons in maritime scenarios provides a clearer picture of a ship's sizing and capacity in practical applications.