Hulls (Ship) - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
The term “hull” generally refers to that section of a platform that provides buoyancy. In the offshore industry, the term “deck” generally refers to the supported functional superstructure. However, for a hull, the term is also used to refer to the horizontal flats separating compartments in the hull. In the discussion on hull structures, to make a distinction, deck structure above and between the columns will be referred to as the “superstructure.” The term “deck” will be reserved to refer to the horizontal, local parts of the superstructure. With most production structures, spars, TLPs and most semi-submersibles, the superstructure deck is a physically separate structure. For semi-submersibles and TLPs, the pontoons, columns, deck and bracing system compose a single, integral structural system.