Why are the bottoms of cargo ships flat?

In ancient times, to ensure the stability of ships The deep keels used were one of the most basic methods of keeping ships balanced on the water.

So, how did this traditional method become part of modern cargo ships? with flat bottom designs changed?

The bulky and buoyant hull close to the ship’s surface keeps the center of buoyancy up, while the heavy materials in the deep keel pull the center of gravity down and keep the ship in balance.

Nowadays, ships have flat bottoms, maximize load carrying capacity It is preferred for this purpose. Flat bottoms allow the ship to cover a larger surface area, allowing cargo ships to carry more cargo.

This method, called form stability, allows the ship to keep in balance It depends on the width and shape of the body structure. Ships with flat bottom designs provide form stability thanks to their wide hulls and are made possible by having a high metacenter point.

The wide hull causes the center of buoyancy to shift further out even at a small angle of inclination. keeps the ship balanced.

Modern cargo ships are carefully planned to keep the center of gravity as low as possible while carrying their cargo.

Why? Because while increasing the stability of the ship, it also Allows it to carry more load. But the planning process always requires maintaining the delicate balance between stability and load capacity.

The inspiration for the flat bottom designs of modern cargo ships comes from ancient seashells that are still used in some regions. They are outrigger canoes.

Canoes for carrying cargo wide bodies and uses the struts next to them to maintain balance. This design works on a principle similar to the form stability of modern ships.

To ensure balance in outriggered canoes center of gravity is located above and if the canoe tilts, the center of buoyancy changes and provides balance. The principle allows modern ships to carry more cargo with their wider hulls while remaining balanced.

Our other content that may interest you: