Question

What is the effect of centre of gravity of slack tanks?

As the vessel rolls the fluid in any slack tanks can shift to the low side moving the center of gravity towards that side. This is called the free surface effect. When the CG shifts it reduces the righting moment making the vessel more unstable.


Question

What is the effect on stability of ice formation on superstructure.

In Arctic ocean conditions, the formation of ice on the upper structures of vessels can cause several problems.

Ice build-up can be formed from snowfall, sleet, blizzards, freezing fog and sea-spray in sub-zero temperatures.

In the Arctic, the air temperatures can be as lowas40°C in harbour and30°C at sea.

Icing allowances must be made for:

Rise in G.

Loss of transverse stability.

Increase in weight.

Increased draft due to increased weight.

Loss of freeboard due to increased weight.

Decrease in under keel clearance.

Contraction of steel due to temperature.

Increased brittleness in steel structures.

Non-symmetrical formation of ice.

Angle of list.

Angle of loll.

Change of trim.

Impairment of manoeuvrability.

Reduction in forward speed.

Increase in windage area on side of ship.

 

 

Ice formation adversely affects the seaworthiness of the vessel as ice formation leads to:

— An increase in the weight of the vessel due to accumulation of ice on the vessel's surfaces which causes the reduction of freeboard and buoyancy;

— A rise of the vessel's centre of gravity due to the high location of ice on the vessel's structures with corresponding reduction in the level of stability;

— An increase of windage area due to ice formation on the upper parts of the vessel and hence an increase in the heeling moment due to the action of the wind;

— A change of trim due to uneven distribution of ice along the vessel's length;

— The development of a constant list due to uneven distribution of ice across the breadth of the vessel;

— Impairment of the manoeuvrability and reduction of the speed of the vessel