Sustainability in Shipbuilding : Optimizing Cruise Ship Stateroom Design in Pre-Contract Stage

Abstract

There is growing demand on the cruise ship industry to embrace more environmentally friendly design and construction methods as the tourism industry's environmental effect increases. This thesis investigates how sustainability can be effectively integrated into the early design stages of cruise ship staterooms, with a specific focus on the pre-contract phase at Meyer Turku Oy. Utilizing a qualitative research method, the study highlights significant structural and procedural obstacles within the existing design workflow. The results indicate a necessity for enhanced transparency, interdepartmental cooperation, and client involvement at the initial stages of the design process. The thesis suggests an updated, sustainability-focused workflow that utilizes tools like an interactive stateroom configurator and Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) integration to enhance real-time decision-making. Furthermore, the research highlights the significance of modular design, life cycle considerations, and end-of-life strategies in lessening the environmental impact of cruise ship interiors. Although focused on a specific shipyard, the suggested strategies and tools provide important perspectives for the wider maritime industry aiming to harmonize operational effectiveness with sustainable long-term objectives.