What are properties of timber deck cargo carried on ships?

5. Water absorption.

Sea spray may increase the weight of the timber deck cargo and thus influence the stability. The weight increase of the timber varies with time, exposure and type of timber. The value of increased weight of timber deck cargo due to water absorption should be considered in accordance with the 2008 IS Code.

6. Weight of ice.

During cold weather conditions ice may form from sea spray and the stability may be affected as the ice can add weight rapidly. The increase in weight due to icing should be considered in accordance with section 6.2 of the 2008 IS Code. The increases given in section 6.3 of that Code for fishing vessels may be considered to be suitable also for timber cargoes, particularly for small ships. Any increase in weight due to water absorption should be considered before calculating the increase due to the weight of ice.