Method of conversion of a vessel from single to double hull

Abstract

A method of conversion of a single hull vessel to a double hull vessel is provided and has at least the steps of: (a) positioning a section of a second hull shell beneath a first hull of a vessel; (b) raising the section of second hull shell to locate it adjacent the first hull; and (c) attaching the section of second hull shell to the first hull. In a preferred method, the second hull shell is positioned in relation to the first hull by male and female locating members disposed on adjacent portions of the first and second hulls. The method is carried out in a dry dock or, alternatively, using a ship-lifting system. The second hull has side and end sections formed of substantially hollow steel blocks, and the bottom section has transverse ribs for additional strength. Thus, a double hull vessel of the present invention has substantially the same interior capacity as the single hull vessel before the conversion.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.