Nautical Term: Duct keel
Definition of Duct keel
A duct keel refers to a longitudinal passage within a vessel’s double bottom. This passage is typically located on the centerline and extends from the collision bulkhead to the engine room.
Through this duct keel, various fluid conduits such as ballast, bilge, fuel, and hydraulic piping may be channeled. Access to the double-bottom spaces is also facilitated via this duct keel.
Example:
During the voyage, the ship’s captain noticed an unusual amount of water ingress in the ballast tanks. In response, the chief engineer conducted an inspection of the duct keel and its associated fluid conduits. The inspection revealed a damaged section of hydraulic piping, which was causing an unwanted inflow of seawater into the ballast tanks via the duct keel.
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