An analysis of stability requirements for large inland passenger ships

Abstract

The regulatory approach to stability assessment of seagoing ships has significantly evolved during the last two decades, which resulted in the introduction of the probabilistic damage stability regulations and development of the Second Generation Intact Stability Criteria by the International Maritime Organization. The ship stability regulations for inland vessels, however, have not followed a similar path. This paper investigates the present intact and damage stability requirements intended for large inland passenger ships (LIPS), offers a critical analysis of the present stability regulations, highlights the need for a global harmonization of regulations, and probes into the hierarchy of the stability requirements for LIPS. The investigation is performed on two ships which belong to the classes of the largest inland passenger ships presently used for river cruises in Europe. It was found that damage stability generally dominates the stability requirements of LIPS, and that the stability assessment may substantially depend on the choice of Flag, even if the ships are intended for the same inland waterway. Significant discrepancies in stability assessments performed according to different regulations bring into focus the question of reliability of the present regulatory framework for stability of LIPS.