Why timber deck cargoes are distributed evenly on deck ?

The timber deck cargo is to be distributed so as to:

• avoid excessive loading with respect to the strength of the deck and supporting structure;
• to ensure that the ship will retain adequate stability with respect to:
  • vertical distribution;
  • effects of wind heeling;
  • losses of weight low down in the ship due to fuel/stores consumption;
  • increases of timber weight caused by water absorption and icing.