Risk-Based Fire Safety Design Framework for Modern Cruise Vessels: An Integrated Approach to Enhanced Maritime Safety

Fire safety aboard cruise ships represents one of the most significant safety challenges within the maritime sector. The operational context of these vessels—isolated at sea, accommodating thousands of passengers and crew, integrating complex systems within constrained spaces, and offering limited evacuation options—results in a unique and elevated risk profile. Addressing this complexity requires a shift from conventional prescriptive approaches to more adaptive, risk-based approaches. This paper proposes a comprehensive framework for the application of risk-based fire safety design on cruise ships. It critically examines the limitations of traditional prescriptive (rule-based) approaches, which may restrict design flexibility and fail to account for the specific operational and architectural characteristics of modern cruise vessels. By contrast, the risk-based approach allows for tailored safety solutions that align with a vessel’s unique features while ensuring regulatory compliance and maintaining high levels of safety. The study analyses common fire hazards encountered on cruise ships, including ignition sources, combustible materials, and system vulnerabilities. It then introduces advanced mitigation strategies encompassing fire prevention, detection, containment, and evacuation planning. The proposed framework also facilitates the integration of innovative technologies and design concepts, enabling the development of safer and more efficient cruise ships. The findings underscore the importance of adopting risk-based (performance-based) design philosophies to address emerging risks and support continuous improvement in maritime fire safety.