Barge Ballast System

[280474]

Dear All,
Do you guys have any idea what is exactly the definition of ballast system. How many types of ballast system available on ship/barge design..?

Is there any term and definition of automatic, semi-automatic and manual ballast system. If so, is there any barge/pontoon equipped with automatic, semi-automatic or manual ballast system..?

regards

 

[StephenA]

There are two types of ballast.

Permanent ballast as in the keel of a yacht.

Otherwise ballast on a barge is water in tanks.

The tanks have to be small enough not to affect the stability of the vessel. e.g. they must not extend the full width (or length)of the vessel.

Ballast water can be added manually (by pump) or on large barges water can be moved automatically in response to the listing of the barge under load.

In addition barges can be ballasted down uniformally to increasing stability.

Most if not all crane barges have ballast systems.

StephenA