In vessel operations, which term describes equipment intended to manage heat absorption?

The term that describes equipment intended to manage heat absorption is a cooling system. Cooling systems are essential in vessel operations as they help to maintain optimal temperatures for engines and other critical components that generate heat during operation. These systems typically involve fluids or air that absorb excess heat and dissipate it to keep machinery functioning efficiently and to prevent overheating.

In contrast, fire extinguishers are safety devices used to put out fires and do not serve the purpose of managing heat absorption. Ventilation ducts facilitate airflow and can aid in cooling to some extent by promoting air circulation, but they are not designed specifically for heat absorption like a cooling system. Ballast refers to the weight added to a vessel to provide stability and prevent capsizing, and it is not related to heat management. Thus, the cooling system is the correct choice as it directly addresses the management of heat in vessel operations.