Skrov

Skrov is a Swedish noun meaning the hull of a ship—the main exterior structure that provides buoyancy and houses the vessel’s machinery and cargo space, while excluding the superstructure, masts, and deck fittings. In Swedish nautical terminology, the hull is central to discussions of stability, balance, and hydrodynamics, and it is analyzed in terms of hull form, displacement, and resistance.

The term has close cognates in other Scandinavian languages. Danish and Norwegian use the corresponding term skrog to refer to the hull, reflecting a common Germanic linguistic heritage that links these words to the body or framework of an object. In this context, skrov focuses on the vessel’s external, load-bearing shell rather than internal components.

In shipbuilding and naval architecture, hull design encompasses a range of considerations, including shape, material, and construction method, all of which influence performance, seaworthiness, and efficiency. Historical developments—from traditional wooden hulls to modern steel and composite constructions—illustrate how hull form and integrity have evolved to meet changes in technology, laws, and operating conditions. Skrov remains a fundamental concept in describing a ship’s core structural component and its role in overall vessel performance.