Nautical Term: ETS

Definition of ETS

The Estimated Time of Sailing (ETS) refers to the projected time it will take for a vessel to complete a specific sailing leg. The ETS takes various factors into consideration, such as the vessel’s speed through the water, wind conditions, and the distance of the sailing leg.

For example, if the captain of a cargo ship intends to sail from New York to Rotterdam, the estimated time of sailing would be calculated based on the distance between the two ports (approximately 3,100 nautical miles), the average speed of the cargo ship through the water (assuming an average of 15 knots), and the prevailing wind conditions during the sailing period. By taking these factors into account, the captain and the crew can make informed decisions about the sailing plan and can effectively manage their time at sea to ensure a safe and efficient voyage.

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