kjöl
Kjöl is the Icelandic term for the keel, the principal structural element that runs along the bottom of a ship's hull. The keel serves as the backbone of the vessel, providing structural rigidity, resisting bending, and offering a mounting point for frames, ballast, and other components. It also influences the ship's stability and directional performance in waves and wind.
Keel designs vary. A full keel extends along a large portion of the hull, contributing to stability
Maintenance and inspection are important. The keel is a critical structural member; damage, corrosion, or grounding
In Icelandic usage, kjöl is also encountered in figurative language to denote the central support or backbone