composite panel 18 to enable all of the plates 34 and 36 to contribute to the elastic section modulus and hence the moment resistance of the tanker as a whole the elastomer increases the shear buckling capacity of the hull structure by substituting the composite panel 18 constructed of two thinner steel plates 34 and 36 separated by and bonded to a structural elastomer 38 for the prior art single thicker steel plate a tear or rupture resistant hull is achieved at a cost equivalent to or lower than conventional construction since the steel plate may not have to be specified as a more costly notch tough steel the distribution of the thickness of the two steel plates 34 and 36 in the composite panel 18 is not prescribed and can be distributed to optimize structural performance and durability for factors such as for example load bearing capacity and corrosion and abrasion resistance the substitution of the composite panel 18 for conventional steel plate in the hull components such as for example hull panels 17 longitudinal girders floor frames 24 and bulkheads 26 significantly increases the strength of these individual hull components and the hull overall and allows for a reduction in the thickness of the inner and outer steel plates 34 and 36 in the composite hull panels 18 and a significant reduction in the number of conventional hull construction components such as stiffening elements 7 frames 11 and support members 2 3 required to carry the in plane service loads such as for example.