Ballast condition

A ballast condition is a loading case carrying no cargo, only ballast water, fuel, fresh water, and stores, used when a ship repositions empty or sails light to maintain draft, trim, and propeller immersion. It appears in the trim and stability booklet as one of the standard approved conditions, each checked against the IMO 2008 IS Code criteria. The naval-architecture concern is adequate aft draft for propeller and rudder immersion and forefoot emergence in a seaway: SOLAS and class minimum-draft guidance set the ballast departure and arrival drafts. A heavy-weather ballast condition with extra ballast is also tabulated for many bulk carriers.