dubbelhuls

Dubbelhuls is a Dutch term that translates roughly to “double shell.” The expression is used in different technical domains to describe configurations that involve two shells, casings, or hulls that enclose or separate space. The exact meaning depends on the context in which it appears.

In maritime and shipbuilding contexts, dubbelhuls typically corresponds to a double-hull design: two independent watertight hulls separated by a void or ballast space. This arrangement provides redundancy and helps prevent cargo spills in the event of hull damage. Since the mid-to-late 20th century, double-hull designs have become common in oil and chemical transport vessels, and they feature prominently in international safety regulations related to maritime pollution prevention. In Dutch regulatory and industry language, ships with this construction are described as having a dubbelhuls.

In Dutch-language technical or historical texts about firearms or ammunition, the term may appear to denote a cartridge or shell configuration described as “double shell.” However, this usage is not standard in modern Dutch firearm terminology. When precision is required, more specific terms are used to describe cartridge design rather than relying on the umbrella term dubbelhuls.

Etymology and usage notes: dubbelhuls combines dubbel (double) with huls (shell, casing, or hull), reflecting its cross-domain sense of a dual-shell construct. See also double hull, MARPOL 73/78, and related discussions of oil-spill prevention and ship design.