What is the purpose of internal baffles in a tanker?

Internal baffles serve a crucial purpose in the operation of tankers by reducing the movement of the liquid inside the tank. When a tanker maneuvers, the liquid can slosh back and forth, which may create instability and make the vehicle harder to control. By incorporating baffles into the design, the sloshing effect is minimized, allowing for more controlled handling and stability during transport. This feature is especially important in maintaining safe operation, particularly when navigating turns or sudden stops, as it helps to prevent excessive lateral shifting of the liquid that could lead to loss of control or tipping.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary function of internal baffles. While increasing payload capacity, facilitating faster unloading, or enhancing aesthetic design might be considerations in some contexts, they do not address the fundamental safety and stability benefits that baffles provide during the transportation of liquid cargo.