Parts of a Ship

Tanks

Fuel Tanks

The fuel consumption of large ships is measured in tons per hour. To ensure an adequate supply, large fuel reserves are stored onboard to allow ships to cross huge expanses of water.

Structural Tanks

Other tanks on board will carry potable water, blackwater, helicopter fuel, or liquid cargoes. These liquids make up a large portion of the ship's weight. The fuel tanks, waste water tanks, and blackwater holding tanks are an integral part of the ships design. The steel plate around their perimeters can form part of the ship's hull, or they can be found upright (bulkheads) or horizontal (decks). Due to the fact they are welded in and help stabilize the ship these are referred to as structural tanks.

On large ships, these tanks can be many stories high, have internal piping systems, stairways and even reinforcing bulkheads and baffles that help control the sloshing of liquids to stabilize the vessel in rough waters. To enter these tanks, there are manholes strategically placed throughout the ship that have heavy gasketed lids.

Non-Structural Tanks

Non-structural tanks are comparatively small tanks suspended on mounting arrangements that can be removed from the vessel for maintenance.