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Ballast Water Volume Calculator

Work out ballast water volume instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Ballast Water Volume Calculator

Tank capacity is the geometric volume reduced by permeability, which accounts for the internal structure that displaces water. Mass follows from sea water density. The three-times-volume figure is the flow-through exchange requirement used to meet ballast water management standards.

Formula

Ballast volume

V = L x B x H x permeability; mass = V x 1.025 t/m3; flow-through exchange = 3 x V

Worked example

With the default values below, Ballast Water Volume Calculator returns Ballast water volume of 1,064.45. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Tank length
22 m
Tank breadth
12 m
Sounding / filled height
4.2 m
Tank permeability
96 %

Results

Ballast water volume
1,064.45 m³
Ballast mass in sea water
1,091.06 t
Volume for 300% exchange
3,193 m³
Hours to fill at 500 m³/h
2.13 h

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Ballast volume
  3. 3Ballast water volume= 1,064.45 m³
  4. 4Ballast mass in sea water= 1,091.06 t
  5. 5Volume for 300% exchange= 3,193 m³
  6. 6Hours to fill at 500 m³/h= 2.13 h

Assumptions and limits

  • The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
  • In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
  • Figures are rounded for display to 2 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
  • Marine results are planning estimates only. Verify against the vessel's approved stability booklet, loading manual, class society rules and applicable maritime regulations before loading or sailing.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Marine results are planning estimates only. Verify against the vessel's approved stability booklet, loading manual, class society rules and applicable maritime regulations before loading or sailing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is permeability less than 100%?

Frames, girders and stiffeners inside the tank occupy volume. 95-98% is typical for a ballast tank.

Why exchange three tank volumes?

Pumping three times the tank volume through gives roughly 95% replacement of the original water, the accepted standard for the flow-through method.

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