Hull

Category: maritime

The primary outer shell of a ship, extending from the main deck down to the keel.

The hull is the structural body that displaces the water and keeps the ship afloat. It is regularly inspected for integrity and corrosion, and during "dry dock," it is stripped and repainted to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.

Common Examples

• Expedition ships are designed with ice-strengthened hulls to safely navigate through polar waters.
• The bulbous bow is an extension of the hull designed specifically to modify water flow and reduce drag, saving fuel at cruising speeds.