Metacentric Height from Keel

Abbreviation: KM

Vertical distance from keel to the metacentre M; sum of KB (keel to centre of buoyancy) and BM (metacentric radius).

In practice

Read off the hydrostatic curves at the actual mean draft. KM is fixed by hull form and draft; KG is variable. The difference KM-KG = GM, the headline stability metric.

Regulatory detail & full definition

Read from the hydrostatic curves at the relevant draft. Together with KG it gives GM = KM - KG. KM increases as the ship heels (the metacentre moves), but for small angles KM is treated as constant for stability calculations.

Vertical Centre of Gravity

Source: Standard naval architecture; IS Code 2008

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Metacentric Height from Keel

In practice

Related

Metacentric Height from Keel

In practice

Related