Tanks within a vessel's hull that can be filled with or emptied of seawater to adjust the vessel's trim, stability, and draft. Ballast water management is regulated internationally to prevent the transfer of invasive aquatic species between ecosystems.
Category: Ship Structure & Parts
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AnchorA heavy device lowered to the seabed on a chain or cable to hold a vessel in position.BilgeThe lowest internal part of the hull where the sides curve inward to meet the bottom.BollardA strong vertical post on a ship's deck or on a quay used for securing mooring lines.BridgeThe command and navigation center of a vessel, typically located on the uppermost deck of the superstructure, providing a clear view forward and to both sides.BulkheadA vertical partition wall within a vessel's hull that divides the interior into separate compartments.Cargo HoldAn enclosed space within a vessel's hull designed for the stowage of cargo.
Back to DictionaryEntry updated May 2026