Nautical Term: Double bottom

Definition of Double bottom

ijk) A structural feature in marine vessels, where the bottom of a tank is formed by the bottom plates of the ship. This design is commonly used for tanks that hold water for ballast or store oil and other liquids.

Moreover, double bottom is also a term applied to the space between the inner and outer bottom skins of a vessel. In this context, the inner and outer bottom skins act as two separate layers, providing an extra layer of protection against damage.

Additionally, the term double bottom is also used to indicate that a ship has a complete inner or extra envelope of watertight bottom plating. This means that the ship has two layers of bottom plating, providing an extra layer of protection against damage.

A double bottom is typically fitted in large ships, extending from bilge to bilge and nearly the whole length fore-and-aft. For instance, a cargo ship carrying bulk goods such as grain, coal, or iron ore, may have a double bottom to provide additional protection against damage during transit. Similarly, an oil tanker carrying crude oil or refined petroleum products, may also have a double bottom to provide an extra layer of protection against damage during transportation.

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