doubleshell

A doubleshell, also known as a double hull, is a structural design feature found in various applications, most notably in ships and tanks. It consists of two complete layers separated by a space. In the context of marine vessels, a doubleshell typically refers to the double hull construction of oil tankers and other hazardous cargo carriers. This design involves an inner hull that contains the cargo and an outer hull that provides protection. The space between these hulls can be filled with ballast water or left empty. The primary purpose of a doubleshell in ships is to reduce the risk of oil spills in the event of a collision or grounding. If the outer hull is breached, the inner hull is intended to remain intact, preventing the release of cargo into the environment. This design became a standard for new oil tankers following major environmental disasters.

Beyond shipbuilding, doubleshell technology is also applied to storage tanks, particularly for hazardous substances like chemicals or fuels. Similar to ships, these tanks feature an inner containment vessel and an outer protective shell. The interstitial space between the shells allows for monitoring and can collect any leaks from the inner tank, providing an early warning and preventing the substance from escaping into the surrounding environment. This design enhances safety and environmental protection by providing a secondary barrier against containment failure. The effectiveness of a doubleshell relies on its integrity and the proper design of the interstitial space for leak detection.