Technical Notes on Intact and Damage Stability Properties and Decks Distribution of Floating Hotels

This technical note article presents the static stability considerations in determining the number of decks and the general arrangement of a floating hotel barge according to standard rules. An increased number of decks elevates the vertical center of gravity, potentially compromising stability and increasing the risk of capsizing. Additionally, in emergency situations, the simultaneous movement of a large number of passengers to one side of the hotel barge can lead to accidents and disasters. Therefore, stability considerations in hotel barges differ significantly from those of commercial ships. To address this, the stability characteristics of a hotel barge have been simulated as a case study. The general arrangement of the hotel has been evaluated to determine the centre of gravity, ensuring that heavier decks and tanks are placed in the lower sections, while lighter components are positioned on the upper levels. The simulation results indicate that the floating hotel model can safely accommodate up to nine decks, while maintaining a minimum reserve of buoyancy of 30% and adequate metacentric height. Finally, the article provides key design recommendations for improving the stability and general arrangement of floating hotel barges.