Nautical Term: Expansion trunks
Definition of Expansion trunks
Expansion trunks refer to pipelike structures that extend into the oil compartments of a tanker, starting from the hatches. When the oil fills the compartment, the trunk partially fills up with oil as well. This reduces the free surface of the cargo, thereby enhancing the stability of the tanker. A small amount of free space is left at the top of the trunk to accommodate any expansion of the oil as temperatures change during transportation.
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