Ballast
Ballast is any heavy material, such as sand, gravel, or water, that is placed in the hold of a ship to improve its stability, control its draft and trim, and counteract the effects of wind, waves, and currents. Ballast is essential for safe and efficient navigation, especially for vessels that are not fully loaded or have a high center of gravity. The amount and distribution of ballast depend on various factors, such as the size, type, and cargo of the ship, the weather and sea conditions, and the regulations and standards of the port and flag state. Ballast water, which is taken on board and discharged by ships, can also introduce invasive species and pollutants into marine ecosystems, and therefore, it is subject to strict environmental and health regulations.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Sailing Vessel: A sailing vessel is a type of watercraft that uses sails to harness the power of wind and propel itself forward. Sailing vessels can range in size from small sailboats to large sailing ships, and can be used for a variety of purposes includ ... Read More >>
- Becalmed: Becalmed is a nautical term used to describe a situation where a sailing vessel is unable to move due to lack of wind. When a vessel is becalmed, it becomes motionless and is at the mercy of the currents. This can be a frustrating situation ... Read More >>
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Greenhouse gas emissions refer to the release of gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat and contribute to the warming of the planet, leading to climate change. In the maritime con ... Read More >>
Top News
SEAL Team 6 is said to be training for a fight with China over Taiwan. Here's wh...
The role of the elite unit may be limited but not inconsequential. "You don't use a scalpel for a job a hammer can do," a former SEAL said....
News Source: Business Insider on 2024-10-19
The last in-person vote in the US will be cast on the desolate tundra of Alaska'...
On a desolate slab of island tundra on Alaska's Aleutian Islands, a resident of a tiny village called Adak will again become the last American to cast an in-person ballot for president...
News Source: ABC News on 2024-10-19
A historically Black community grapples with lasting impacts after Baltimore bri...
As the dust settled after the deadly collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, residents of Turner Station found themselves facing an uncertain future....
News Source: NBC News on 2024-10-18
These are the biggest challenges facing the US Army in the Pacific, according to...
Soldiers face daunting challenges in navigating the vastness of the Indo-Pacific, where a future war could take place across a range of environments....
News Source: Business Insider on 2024-10-18
Teen kayaker rescued after spending 12 hours treading water and clinging to his ...
A 17-year-old kayaker spent nearly 12 hours treading water and clinging to his kayak Wednesday after becoming separated from his high school paddling group, the U.S....
News Source: NBC News on 2024-10-18