The problems and concerns raised in 1990 regarding double hulls primarily dealt with effectiveness of the design in preventing pollution, the increased risk of fire and explosions, possible instability of damaged vessels, perceived salvage difficulties, increased hazards to personnel in double-hull spaces, concerns about ship structural integrity and the extensive use of high-tensile steels, and concerns about corrosion in double-hull spaces.

Data pertinent to issues related to design, construction, inspection, and maintenance have been obtained from survey questionnaires sent to owners and operators of double-hull vessels, shipyards, classification societies, and naval architectural organizations. However, the data and service experience from operating double-hull vessels in the last five years may not be sufficient to determine if anticipated problems will actually materialize.

Major research projects in the area of double-hull technology since 1990 have principally been carried out in the United States (by MIT, the Ship Structure Committee,¹ and the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers [SNAME]), and in Japan, Denmark, and Norway. Structural research efforts in other countries have also been reported in the technical literature, such as the International Ship and Offshore Structures Congress (ISSC) proceedings. The results of these and other research will be assessed for significant effects on the design of double-hull tankers.

As an indication of the scope of research on double-hull designs, 30 papers related to the topic were presented at the International Conference on Technologies for Marine Environment Preservation (MARIENV '95) in Tokyo, Japan (September 24 to 29, 1995), sponsored by the Society of Naval Architects of Japan. Almost two-thirds of the papers were presented by authors from Japan. The remaining papers were by authors from Denmark, Germany, South Korea, the Netherlands, Norway, and the United States. Although it is not unusual for

Front Matter (R1-R10)

Contents (R11-R14)

Executive Summary (1-2)

1 Introduction (3-13)

2 Ship Safety and Protection of the Marine Environment (14-19)

3 Economic Viability of the Maritime Oil Transportation Industry (20-27)

4 Operational Makeup of the Maritime Oil Transportation Industry (28-32)

5 Data on the Design, Construction, Maintenance, and Operation of Double-Hull Vessels (33-42)

References (43-44)

List of Acronyms (45-46)

Appendices (47-48)

Appendix A: Biographies of Committee Members (49-53)

Appendix B: Questionnaires (54-58)

Appendix C: Presentations to the Committee (59-59)

Appendix D: Information Sources (60-60)

Bibliography (61-62)