All types of cargo ships, be it container vessels, bulk carriers , oil tankers or Ro-Ro vessels , have 3 main parts: namely the hull, the engine room and the navigation bridge. Understanding their role is important, along with categorising other structures, both visible, including the bow, propeller, stern and rudder, and those which are hidden, such as cargo holds, ballast tanks, bulkheads, etc which will be discussed in this article to offer a clear understanding of a modern ship’s anatomy. Primary Structural Parts Of A Ship Hull It is a ship’s watertight body which keeps it buoyant or afloat. All other components are connected to it or sit within the hull, which might be open or partially covered with a deck. A hull has several watertight decks and bulkheads. Most hulls are built of steel, which makes them sturdy enough to withstand saltwater, powerful waves and rough weather. The Keel Just like a human spine supports the body, the keel supports the entire frame of a ship. It runs from the bottom centreline along the length of the vessel from the front to the back, i.e from the bow to the stern. Builders construct a vessel around the keel, and laying it is the first step in starting construction. The keel helps to distribute load across the ship evenly and lowers its centre of gravity, thereby keeping it balanced even in rough waters. Bulkheads These are upright watertight walls inside the hull which act like an internal partition, dividing the ship into different compartments or sections. Bulkheads strengthen the ship and prevent it from twisting under heavy loads at sea. In case of emergencies like flooding, they trap water in one of the compartments, allowing the vessel to remain afloat. They also act as a barrier and prevent fire from spreading to the entire ship. They also separate different kinds of cargo and machinery spaces from each other. Double Bottom This is a hull design with two watertight layers of plating at the bottom, which provide strength and