SUPERSTRUCTURE

A superstructure is an extended construction of any building or platform that rises above the rest of the building or
platform in a distinct manner. The word comes from a combination of two Latin words, the Latin prefix ‘super’
means in addition or above or in excess of, whereas the stem word ‘structure’ means to build or to heap up. Thus,
superstructure means to add a construction to an already existing structure. In ships this is the name given to the
part of the ship that emerges from the deck. However any mast, sails, any armaments or arsenal are not included in
this category.
The size of the superstructure has a great influence on the mobility of the vessels. They are designed in a manner, so
that, they add value and hinder the speed and mobility in the least. The superstructure is mostly designed in fashion
as well. This is because it is the most easily visible part of the ship, in fact it is the identification of the ship, and so
the designers try to provide it with the identity that is unique.

Technically any structure above Upper deck is a superstructure. Ships do have many superstructures for various
commercial and operational reasons. However, most of the cargo ships have one superstructure.

Traditionally Bulk carriers, Tankers, Product carriers and Multi-purpose carriers have Superstructures placed aft
above machinery space.

Container ships have flexibility of placing Superstructure aft, Mid-ship or Forward based on their sizes. Normally
placement is affected by Stability/Trim issues.

RO-RO ships have small superstructure placed on top of cargo deck and navigation bridge is placed forward. It is like
single floor arrangement.

Most important factor for placing Superstructure is visibility for Navigation. This will supercede all other
considerations.

Purpose of Superstructure is to house living areas, offices, cooking areas and essential stores. On this page we are
generalizing accommodation. There is no hard and fast rule as to where to place cabins, offices etc. It is just a big
building and all essential things are inside protected from weather. I have added pictures below from a ship’s plan to
give you general idea.
Navigation bridge, Decks, Cabins, Hospital, Offices, Cargo control room, Dinning saloons, Recreation rooms,
Games room and Gymnasium, Galley, Pantry, Meat and Fish rooms, Vegetable rooms, Dry provisions store, Laundry
New Superstructure Design Promises Energy Efficiency and Pirate Defense
Japanese shipbuilder Imabari Shipbuilding has introduced a unique solution that could help combat two of shippings
biggest challenges; piracy and energy efficiency.

The technology, called Aero-Citadel, introduces a streamlined and aerodynamic shape to a ships superstructure and
other advances in the vessels accommodation block, engine room , and funnel casing. The design also includes a
built in citadel along other piracy prevention measures.

The exterior design was developed through extensive wind tunnel testing that Imabari says could potentially lead to
a reduction in wind pressure and drag by up to 25 or 30%. In the case of cape size bulker, Imabari says, this could
lead to a 2% reduction in fuel consumption. The shape also makes it easy to turn the bow of the ship windward
during anchorage, and decreases the risk of anchor dragging.

All stairs leading to the bridge are placed on the inside of the superstructure and the entrance on lower level deck is
equipped with thicker, reinforced steel doors to make it more difficult for intruders to enter. In addition the stairs
and entranceway, the windows are equipped with bulletproof glass, and water cannons are placed on the upper
deck to help blast attacking pirates.

The superstructure also includes a citadel with enough supplies to accommodate crewmembers for several days, and
is protected by double-layer security doors. Inside the citadel, the facility features communication equipment
running on its own independent power source, ship maneuvering equipment that can shut off the main engine and
steering gear, and surveillance equipment allowing access to vessel data, including video, picture and sound.

In addition to the unique superstructure shape and anti-piracy measures, the accommodation block features energy
efficient LED lighting and noise and vibration insulation for enhanced crew comfort, and a wheelhouse with a
widened backward view for safer navigation.
ACCOMMODATION SPACE LAYOUTS

Ship’s need lots of small stores. Most of them find some place in accommodation, however no hazardous material is
kept inside accommodation. Typically you will see Mates locker, 2/0’s locker, LSA & FFA locker, Engineers store,
ETO’s locker, Medical chest and so on. Stores are required to store spare parts and consumable commodities.

Meat and Fish rooms: These are maintained at -180C to -240C temperatures.
Vegetable rooms: here temperatures are 30C to 60C.
Dry provisions store: Even though it is for dry provisions, most ships maintain at about 60C temp to avoid insects.

Laundry: There will be few automatic laundry machines with dryers. You also will find a drying rooms attached to the
laundry. Drying room has heaters heating it to 450C.
As expected, you will find electric irons for pressing garments.

Garbage locker: You are not allowed to dump garbage over board. Garbage is kept in safe place till it is discharged
(Landed) ashore for proper disposal.

Offices: In addition to Captain’s office, there will be more offices. Cargo office is generally on main deck easily
accessible from deck. It is used by shore personnel and often known as TALLEY ROOM. It comes with a toilet. Ship’s
office is a large office shared by all Officers. It may have a special section for cargo related activities. Most of the
officers have their drawers to keep documents. You will find computers, printers and scanners here. You also will
find all important plans, manuals and wall charts in ship’s office.
Cargo control room: This will be part of accommodation on tankers and special goods carriers. All cargo related
equipment is monitored and operated from here.
Hospital: It is an isolated compartment for a sick person. It has independent ventilation system.

Recreation rooms: They are meant for recreation. They have Bar, games, Music system, TV etc. On modern ships you
can expect X-box and movie library. Most of the ships have internet connection. This is a cozy place.

Games room and Gymnasium: Most of the ship’s have them with modern equipment.
Dinning saloons: These are the places where people eat food. Sometimes they are referred as Mess rooms. There is
place for everyone. As expected, all chairs & other furniture is anchored to the deck to prevent movement in the sea.
Pantry: Pantry is adjoining compartment of the galley. Cooked food is given finishing touches here before being
served on the table. No cooking equipment is allowed here. There is hot water arrangement for making coffee or
noodles. Bread, butter, fruit juices, cold meats, milk, cheese etc are stored in a refrigerator. Serving and eating
plates, glasses, cutlery etc are stored here.
Galley: Food is cooked here. It is attached to various provision stores like dry provision stores, Cold rooms like huge
refrigerators maintained at different temperatures and handling rooms. Galley has all equipment required for
cooking and baking. It has exhaust fans and trunking to remove smoke and cooking odours. Hot plates are electric.
Securing arrangements are provided for pots and pans to counter rolling and pitching of the ship.
Cabins: These are comfortable living spaces with air conditioning and heating. A bed, Sofa, working table etc are
provided. Bathroom and toilet is attached. All furniture is attached(anchored) to the deck to prevent ill
effects(Movement) of rolling and pitching. Every cabin has portholes and curtains. Cabins are designed for ease of
cleaning. Normally senior officers cabins are large and have separate bed rooms. Captain’s cabin may have his office
and conference room attached. Normally Captain’s deck has accommodation for Captain, Owners/Pilots and Chief
engineer. Deck underneath will have remaining officers.
Navigation bridge: It has all equipment needed for safe navigation. It is also known as Wheel house as it houses
steering wheel. Bridge is enclosed and protected from weather and placed forward for good unobstructed visibility.
Ideally bridge should have 3600 view. Most of the equipment’s like Fire pumps, main engine and power generators
can be operated from here. It will have sitting arrangements for duty officers, coffee making arrangements and a
toilet. Portholes have Wipers to counter rain and snow. It is the topmost enclosed deck.

The monkey island isn’t just a space to take celestial observations but an integral part of the ship where most of the
external parts of the equipments of the bridge are housed. While the navigation bridge houses the display interfaces
of most the bridge equipments for use buy the OOW, the monkey island is where the ‘powerhouse’ of each of those
equipments are placed. One of the most important equipment carried on the monkey island, that is mandatory as
per SOLAS carriage requirements, is the magnetic compass. SOLAS states that “All ships irrespective of size shall
have a properly adjusted standard magnetic compass or other means, independent of any power supply to determine
the ship’s heading and display the reading at the main steering position”. A periscope leads from down below the
compass to the bridge to give the OOW the magnetic heading