Bottomry meaning

Bottomry is a maritime contract where a shipowner borrows money and uses the ship itself as collateral.


Bottomry definitions

Word backwards yrmottob
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "bottomry" is a noun.
Syllabic division bot-tom-ry
Plural The plural of the word bottomry is bottomries.
Total letters 8
Vogais (1) o
Consonants (5) b,t,m,r,y

Bottomry is a type of maritime law that allows ship owners to borrow money for their voyage by using the ship itself as collateral.

History of Bottomry

The practice of bottomry dates back to ancient times when ships were the primary mode of transportation for goods and people. Ship owners would often require financing to fund their voyages, and bottomry provided a way for them to secure the necessary funds.

How Bottomry Works

When a ship owner seeks a bottomry loan, they agree to repay the lender with interest upon the successful completion of the voyage. If the voyage is unsuccessful, and the ship is lost, the lender forfeits the loan amount.

Key Features of Bottomry

One key feature of bottomry is the high level of risk involved for both the lender and the borrower. Since the ship is used as collateral, the lender risks losing their investment if the voyage is not successful. At the same time, the borrower risks losing their ship if they are unable to repay the loan.

Another important aspect of bottomry is the concept of maritime interest, which allows lenders to charge higher interest rates than traditional loans due to the high level of risk involved. This is because maritime ventures are often unpredictable, and lenders must be compensated for the uncertainty.

Modern-Day Bottomry

While bottomry is not as common today due to the availability of other financing options, it still exists in certain specialized situations. Some maritime insurance policies may include bottomry clauses to protect lenders in the event of a lost ship.

In conclusion, bottomry is a historical practice that has played a significant role in the maritime industry. Although less prevalent today, it continues to be relevant in certain contexts where traditional financing may not be feasible.


Bottomry Examples

  1. The shipowner used bottomry to finance the repairs on his vessel.
  2. The captain decided to enter into a bottomry contract to fund the purchase of new cargo.
  3. Bottomry was a common practice among maritime traders in the past.
  4. The merchant relied on bottomry to secure funds for his overseas trading ventures.
  5. The lender agreed to provide a loan through a bottomry bond on the ship.
  6. Bottomry agreements helped expedite maritime trade by providing quick access to funds.
  7. The ship was saved from sinking thanks to a timely bottomry arrangement.
  8. Bottomry was often used as a financial instrument in the shipping industry.
  9. Marine merchants frequently relied on bottomry to finance their trading expeditions.
  10. The practice of bottomry dates back to ancient times when maritime trade was booming.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 14/06/2024 - 19:04:44