Ballastvekt
Ballastvekt refers to the weight added to a vessel or aircraft to improve its stability or trim. In naval architecture, ballast is typically material such as sand, gravel, or water loaded into the hull of a ship. This added weight lowers the center of gravity, increasing the vessel's stability and preventing it from capsizing, especially in rough seas or when carrying a light cargo. Ballast water is a common form of ballast, pumped into and out of dedicated tanks as needed. The management of ballast water is also an important environmental consideration, as it can transport invasive species between different marine ecosystems.
In aviation, ballast is less common but can be used in specific circumstances, such as testing aircraft