BALLAST TANK Meaning and
Definition
-
A ballast tank is a specially designed compartment within a ship or submarine that is used to control buoyancy and stability. It is typically located towards the lower portion of the vessel, either at the bottom or on the sides. The purpose of a ballast tank is to control the ship's trim (the longitudinal pitch or tilt) and draft (the depth in water) by adding or removing water or other liquid substances.
These tanks are equipped with valves, pumps, and piping systems that allow the ship's crew to control the amount of ballast water within the tanks. By adjusting the amount of water or liquid within the tanks, the ship's operators are able to shift the weight and alter the distribution of the cargo and other materials onboard. This redistribution of weight helps to maintain stability, improve maneuverability, and regulate the ship's draught to adapt to sea conditions.
Ballast tanks play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of ships. They are especially important for maintaining stability during periods of high winds, waves, or when cargo is being loaded or unloaded. Additionally, they aid in the prevention of vessel grounding by providing the necessary buoyancy to navigate in shallow waters. Furthermore, ballast tanks are utilized when a ship is empty or partially loaded, as it compensates for the lack of cargo weight, ensuring the vessel remains stable and balanced.
Common Misspellings for BALLAST TANK
- vallast tank
- nallast tank
- hallast tank
- gallast tank
- bzllast tank
- bsllast tank
- bwllast tank
- bqllast tank
- baklast tank
- baplast tank
- baolast tank
- balkast tank
- balpast tank
- baloast tank
- ballzst tank
- ballsst tank
- ballwst tank
- ballqst tank
- ballaat tank
- ballazt tank
Etymology of BALLAST TANK
The word "ballast" originated from the Middle Dutch word "balgast", which consisted of two parts: "bal", meaning "bag" or "sack", and "gast", meaning "guest" or "stranger". In naval terminology, "ballast" refers to heavy material placed in a ship's hold to enhance stability and control. This term was first recorded in English around the late 16th century.
The word "tank", on the other hand, comes from the Middle English word "tunke" or "tun(c)que", meaning "a large cask or container". It can be traced back to the Old Norse word "tunna", which has a similar meaning.
When combined, "ballast tank" refers to a container or compartment on a ship specifically designed to hold ballast water.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
