Nautical Term: VCG

Definition of VCG

״Vertical Center of Gravity (VCG) refers to the vertical position of a vessel’s center of gravity. It is an essential factor in maintaining a vessel’s stability and balance, particularly during heavy loading or rough seas. For instance, a cargo ship with a heavy load of containers in the hold will have a different VCG compared to when the containers are empty. Thus, understanding and accounting for the vessel’s VCG is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of vessel operations.״

For example, imagine a cruise ship with a capacity of 3,000 passengers and crew. During a voyage, the ship’s cargo holds are filled with various supplies, including food, water, fuel, and spare parts.

The weight and distribution of these supplies can significantly affect the ship’s VCG. For example, if the supplies are loaded in a way that shifts the weight towards the fore or aft of the ship, the VCG will also shift accordingly.

Understanding the ship’s VCG and how it is affected by the weight and distribution of the supplies is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of the ship’s operations. For instance, if the VCG shifts too far towards the fore or a

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