Loadicator

A loadicator is the onboard loading computer that calculates a ship’s stability and longitudinal strength for any cargo and ballast condition before the vessel sails. It holds the data from the approved loading manual and stability booklet and computes shear forces, bending moments, draft, trim, and GM, checking each against the class and SOLAS limits. The instrument is type-approved by the classification society and, for tankers, made mandatory by IMO under the 2016 SOLAS amendments for stability instruments. The chief officer uses it to plan a sequence that keeps still-water bending moment and shear within the permissible envelope at every port stage.