also referred to Carrying Light
The term “in ballast” refers to a ship or vessel that is empty or not carrying any cargo. When a ship is in ballast, it means that its cargo holds or compartments are empty, and the vessel is typically filled with ballast material such as sand, gravel, or water to maintain stability and balance. Ballast is used to provide weight and stability to a ship when it is not loaded with cargo. Ships often travel in ballast when returning from a delivery or when moving to a different location to pick up a new cargo. Being in ballast allows the ship to maintain its stability and maneuverability during the voyage.
