Smart technologies and dematerialization as new opportunities for the design of more sustainable ships: Case studies in cruise vessel design

Abstract

In the last 20 years cruise ships have increased in number and grown in size, developing oversized cruise vessels known as ‘mega ships’. In the last few years, a new generation of more innovative ships, ‘smart ships’, have become a growing phenomenon, and may represent a more sustainable alternative to the growth of mega ships. Smart ships can produce new experiences on board and have new designs of the interiors and exteriors of ships. Through an analysis of case studies, this research highlights state of the art of smart ship design. The results provide more information on how smart technologies and new materials can help ships become more sustainable.