The DEEP DRILLER, at a draft of 60 feet and a total vertical moment of 1,012,598 foot-tons, pumps 2,068.7 long tons of ballast overboard. The VCG of the discharged ballast is 15.0 feet. What is the new height of the center of gravity?

Correct Answer: Option D — 61.16 feet

New vertical center of gravity (KG) is calculated using moments: (Initial Total Vertical Moment - Discharged Vertical Moment) divided by New Total Weight. Discharging low weight raises KG from a lower initial value to 61.16 feet.