Ship grounding is a type of marine accident that involves the impact of a ship on the seabed

Seabed

The seabed is the bottom of the ocean.- Ocean structure :Most of the oceans have a common structure, created by common physical phenomena, mainly from tectonic movement, and sediment from various sources...

, resulting in damage of the submerged part of her hull and particularly the bottom structure, potentially leading to water ingress and compromise of the ship's structural integrity and stability. Grounding induces extreme loads onto marine structures and is a marine accident of profound importance due to its impact:

1. The environmental impact, especially in the case where large tanker ships are involved.
2. The loss of human life.
3. Financial consequences to local communities close to the accident.
4. The financial consequences to ship-owners, due to ship loss or penalties.

The grounding, depending on the maneuvers of the master before the impact, may result in the ship being stranded. Depending on the nature of the relief of the seabed at the location, i.e. being muddy or rocky, different measures have to be taken to release the ship and carry it to a safe harbor.

See also

• Beaching (nautical)
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