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Guest |
While the beauty of synthetic resin decking and flooring lies in endless possibilities to create new designs, the technique also enables development of surfaces which interact with cruise guest behaviour, to influence mood and respond to expectations.
As cruise ship requirements have evolved, Bolidt has continuously integrated new patterns and features into our decking and flooring solutions, and our R&D efforts are now focused on developing ‘responsive’ systems for the future.
The introduction of Bolideck Future Teak in 2005 marked a turning point for cruise ship decking, setting new standards for sustainability, weight and durability which have helped establish the product as the market-leading alternative to real teak.
Bolideck Glow, which debuted in 2017, showcased how a decking system can transcend its primary function to provide added value for the cruise operator, crew and guests. It is a ‘glow-in-the-dark’ solution and cruise brands can incorporate elements such as luminous signage to guide cruise passengers towards assembly points in the event of a power outage, for example.
Where the future is concerned, we have practical plans to enhance the cooperation between our R&D department and shipbuilders and cruise operators. By exchanging ideas and information at an earlier stage in the collaborative process, we will be better placed to anticipate market requirements and accelerate the development of novel solutions.
Our most recently launched decking system, Bolideck Future Teak Signature Premium, is the result of a collaboration between Bolidt, French shipyard Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Accor Group brand, Orient Express. As a modern reinterpretation of Bolideck Future Teak, the solution meets the sustainability requirements of both the yard and the owner while more closely resembling grade-A teak – as specified by Accor for its forthcoming sailing yacht, Orient Express Corinthian.
The development of Signature Premium offers a blueprint for proactive cooperation in which we work with a ‘launching customer’ – in this case Accor Group – to develop a tailor-made product for a new era. Communicating all parties’ expectations early maximises the chances of both a smooth implementation and the product’s successful entry to market.
Synthetic resin decking and flooring systems are also fully compatible with embedded light-emitting diodes. Our Bolideck LED flooring, for example, features integrated programmable LEDs that can switch pattern and colour palette, which can impact guests’ moods. We are now exploring the integration of sensors into Bolideck LED to develop what we like to call ‘interactive decking’ solutions.
Bolideck LED flooring has integrated programmable LEDs, enabling changes in pattern and colour palette
In a ship’s bar or nightclub, sensors could be combined with LEDs to create a specific atmosphere, illuminating the decking system when guests step on to the dancefloor. In onboard shops, sensors could be used to monitor foot traffic and thereby help retailers optimise inventory management. If implemented throughout the vessel, they could reveal which areas are prone to overcrowding and when, allowing crew to take measures to mitigate congestion.
We have already developed various security systems for naval vessels. The experience gained working with defence organisations – whose requirements for safety and functionality are particularly high – means we’re well prepared to deploy our sensor-integrated decking systems onboard cruise ships and yachts in the future. This means the flooring in spas, restaurants, casinos, children’s play areas, and other indoor venues could play a more integral part in the overall cruise experience than ever before.
In both the immediate and long-term future, our focus remains on sustainability. For example, we are currently searching for a launch customer to co-develop a recyclable solution made from materials salvaged from an existing deck that is due for renewal.
Minimising waste is part of a wider commitment to environmental protection that has also seen us hold discussions with several start-ups over energy-harvesting decking systems. These could be capable of capturing enough solar energy to power a yacht for a short period or to control the temperature on a cruise ship deck, for instance.
The proposal wholly aligns with the concept of our decking system of the future being comparable to a living, breathing thing: an interactive ‘organism’ that responds to its environment and influences mood, generates atmosphere, and is a pivotal part of the cruise guest experience.
Robert van Aarle is director of maritime and defence at Bolidt, where he has worked for 17 years, progressing from sales manager
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