What is the main purpose of the Stockholm Agreement?

The main purpose of the Stockholm Agreement is to ensure compliance with damage stability requirements for passenger Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) ferries. This agreement arose from concerns following several maritime accidents involving Ro-Ro vessels, highlighting the critical need for stability and safety under damaged conditions.

Damage stability specifically refers to a vessel's ability to remain upright and afloat after sustaining damage. This is particularly important for Ro-Ro ferries due to their design, which includes vehicle decks that can lower to the waterline, making them susceptible to flooding and capsizing if not properly designed and maintained.

Ensuring compliance with these requirements helps to minimize the risk of accidents, enhance passenger safety, and maintain operational reliability. Therefore, the Stockholm Agreement focuses on setting clear, enforceable standards that must be met by Ro-Ro ferries to enhance their safety in the event of an emergency or damage scenario.