The DESSO (Design for Survival Onboard) project started December 1, 2003 and finished in March 2006. The main objectives of the work were: - to create a template for the conceptual design of a roll-on/roll-off passenger ship that demonstrates the possibilities of “the ship serving as its own lifeboat”, - to significantly increase the current understanding of a ship’s capacity to remain upright and afloat after suffering structural damage, fire or terrorist attacks, - to establish a Swedish/European network of companies, research institutes and interested parties within the public sector, - to study passenger and crew survival, both regarding moving large numbers of passengers onboard and accommodating passengers for extended periods in an emergency situation.