Answer
A Loadicator is an approved shipboard loading computer/instrument comprising dedicated software and hardware. It is a mandatory statutory requirement used by ship officers to verify stability and structural stress conditions before any cargo or ballast operation.
Primary Uses and Capabilities
Structural Strength Monitoring: Calculates the exact Shear Forces (SF) and Bending Moments (BM) at predefined bulkheads and frames along the hull girder, displaying them as a percentage of the maximum permissible limits set by the Classification Society. On container ships and gas carriers, it also calculates Torsional Moments.
Intact Stability Calculations: Computes the vessel’s vertical Center of Gravity ($KG$), Metacentric Height (GM), Free Surface Effect ($FSE$), drafts (forward, aft, midships), trim, and heel.
Damage Stability Integration (Type 3 / Type 4 Loadicators): Modern systems feature advanced online/offline damage modules capable of simulating hull breach scenarios to assess residual stability in compliance with SOLAS regulations.
Voyage Profiling: Simulates changes in fuel and ballast water distributions during a 15-day voyage, ensuring the ship never enters an unsafe structural or stability envelope.