The primary purpose of solid ballast, typically placed in the lower part of a ship's hull or in the base of an offshore structure, is to lower the center of gravity and improve trim and stability. Without solid ballast, some maritime structures would be top-heavy and unstable, making the vessel more prone to capsizing or rolling over in extreme weather conditions. Solid ballast also helps to reduce the sway of a ship or offshore structure in the water, making it safer and more comfortable for crew members and passengers on board. Additionally, it can increase load capacity, allowing the Maritime structures to safely carry more weight.
Solid ballast is often preferred over liquid ballast because it does not shift around in the hull or structure base. Solid ballast, such as our Perma Ballast®, also does not lead to corrosion and degradation over time. This makes it a more durable and reliable option that can last the lifetime of the vessel or the offshore structure. An additional benefit of using Perma Ballast® solid ballast is that it can be removed or adjusted if necessary to modify the weight and stability of the structure or vessel. Furthermore, Solid Ballast is often a cost-effective solution, as it does not require additional equipment or maintenance that may be associated with other ballast systems such as water.
Ballast Technologies, Inc. (BTI) pioneered the Perma Ballast® system in the 1980’s and has completed over 250 solid ballast installation projects since that time. Over this period, BTI has demonstrated that solid ballast provides the most reliable and cost-effective way to improve the stability, safety, and load capacity of vessels and offshore structures.
