| 摘要 |
<p>An improved curved-plate, double-hull tanker construction is provided, having reduced or eliminated transverse reinforcing structure in its midbody (224), except for bulkheads (210). The hull, though double, can compare in weight to conventional single hulls, despite being entirely made of mild steel plate. It is made of significantly fewer pieces, with a reduction in welding footage. More of the steel is used in the form of plate (24, 54), rather than more expensive shapes. Improved productivity is possible, resulting from standardization of parts, less scrap, greater use of jigs and fixtures, automated welding, blast-cleaning and painting, so that not so much staging is needed, the work environment can be safer, and the product can be produced at a lower unit labor cost. Preferably, cathodic epoxy painting (124, 126) is used for durability and reduction in problems due to blast cleaning, solvent evaporation and generation of refuse. Extending the double hull structure (236) from the bottom and sides of the hull to the main deck can provide space for fuel oil to be located safely away from the skin of the ship, rather than in possibly vulnerable deep tanks at the stern. The constructional technique is believed to be applicable to vessel hulls (236) in the 70,000 DWT to 300,000 DWT range. The vessel hull midbody module subassemblies (182) may be assembled into modules (212), hull midbodies (224) and vessels (236). <IMAGE> <IMAGE></p> |
