COMPOSITE CABIN MODULE

The project will design, engineer, manufacture, fit-out and test a prefabricated accommodation module typical of cabins currently installed on cruise liners and other ships. The cabin will be manufactured from FRP (fibre reinforced polymer) composite materials. The project will research suitable commercially available composite materials and also suitable series production processes including those that may still be in a development phase The key drivers for the use of composite materials in place of steel are: reduced weight, as vessels are getting larger and weight is becoming an important issue, especially in connection with vessel stability; reducing fuel usage leading to lower emissions; reduced carbon footprint; greener credentials. Present SOLAS regulation governing the construction of ships restricts the use of materials which present as "combustible" when tested to the international standard. The project will aim to meet all other current goal based prescriptive requirements. The project will undertake comparative materials characterisation tests at an early stage and will include further formal mechanical, chemical and fire tests to verify materials properties and fire performance of the materials of construction of the cabin structure.