The new SOLAS regulations II-1/8-1, II-2/21 and II-2/22 on safe return to port are introduced; it is demonstrated how the regulations will influence the design of future passenger ships. The requirements on safe areas and on propulsion system layout are discussed with the aid of examples. A software tool supporting the safe return to port assessment is proposed. The tool will assess the degraded performance of essential systems for all relevant casualty cases.