Which of the following is true regarding the maintenance costs of double hull and single hull tankers?

Double hull tankers typically have higher maintenance costs compared to single hull tankers. This is primarily due to the additional complexity and components involved in the double hull design. Double hulls require inspections and maintenance on both the outer and inner hulls, which means that there is a greater area to inspect and maintain. The additional space can harbor water and other contaminants, necessitating increased preventive maintenance measures.

Furthermore, the materials and technologies used in constructing double hulls may incur higher costs initially and during their operational lifespan. These factors contribute to a higher overall maintenance cost when compared to single hull designs, which are simpler in structure and thus may require less upkeep and fewer inspections. Therefore, recognizing the increased complexity and associated costs is essential when evaluating the maintenance expenses of different tanker designs.