The rapid development of new-generation cruise vessels is a challenge for all parties involved. There is an urgent need for innovative structural solutions as more vessels are delivered from the yards , sizes increase, they carry more passengers and they tend to become more and more specialised.
RCCL’s Voyager of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise vessel, built to DNV class.
Hans E. Siewers at DNV’s Miami office will be responsible for mapping design challenges.
Innovative structural solutions
DNV is part of a joint industry project, partly financed by the EU, which will prioritise the creation of innovative structural solutions for cruise vessels. Three major shipyards have taken the initiative for the DISCO project (Development of Innovative Structural Concepts for advanced passenger vessels), together with research centres, a university and classification societies.
DNVs task
One important task for DNV will be to map owners experience with the existing cruise vessels. Based on survey reports, the history of a great number of vessels is documented. The documentation is characterised by the major classification focus on safety and will not give the complete picture. Structural details not previously reported to class will be highlighted, including design challenges important from passengers and owners point of view.