Ship hull structure elements[edit]
Structural Elements of a Ship's Hull
This diagram shows the key structural elements of a ship's main hull (excluding the bow, stern, and deckhouse).
Deck plating (a.k.a. Main Deck, Weatherdeck or Strength Deck)
Transverse bulkhead
Inner bottom shell plating
Hull bottom shell plating
Transverse frame (1 of 2)
Keel frame
Keelson (longitudinal girder) (1 of 4)
Longitudinal stiffener (1 of 18)
Hull side beam
The depicted hull is a sample small double bottom (but not double hull) oil tanker.