Ballast
Also known as: ballast, ballast water
Weight, typically water carried in dedicated tanks, used to maintain vessel stability, trim, and structural integrity when cargo weight is insufficient.
Ballast ensures proper draft, stability, and safe maneuverability when a vessel is partially loaded or empty. Modern ships use ballast water systems to adjust trim and list during voyages. Ballast operations are governed by international environmental regulations due to risks of invasive species transfer. Proper ballast management is essential for safe navigation and compliance with maritime conventions.
