What is the beam of a ship?

The beam of a ship refers to the width of the ship at its widest point. It is measured from one end of the ship to the other, perpendicular to the keel. The beam is an important factor in determining the stability of the ship and its ability to withstand waves and rough seas. It also affects the cargo carrying capacity of the ship, as a wider beam means that the ship can carry larger and heavier cargo. The beam is usually expressed in meters or feet and is an essential parameter in ship design and construction.