By
Alice Chambers |
The outbreak of Covid-19 and the growing focus on decarbonising the maritime industry have prompted passenger ship operators to prioritise working with interior outfitters such as MJM Marine, which can deliver safe and sustainable onboard spaces.
MJM finished 2022 strongly with a win at the Cruise Ship Interiors Expo Awards in London in the category of Supplier of the Year and by completing the outfitting of Marella Cruise’s Marella Discovery in December which included upgrades to all cabins and suites onboard. As part of the project, the firm installed antimicrobial lighting technology across the ships’ wet units, in partnership with lighting provider Vyv.
“Vyv’s advanced antimicrobial lighting presents a more efficient and environmentally sound solution to achieving smarter, cleaner and safer conditions, particularly onboard ships where microbial challenges are rife,” says Fiona Nevin, head of global business development at MJM Marine, outlining how the firm supports onboard health and safety protocols. “The ultraviolet-free LED lighting continuously cleans high-traffic environments, high-touch surfaces and surrounding spaces on ships that are susceptible to microbial growth, creating environments that are inhospitable to viruses without requiring harsh chemicals.”
In addition to MJM’s antimicrobial lighting offering, the company have a standalone carpet and upholstery division. Recent carpet projects include TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 1 and both Royal Caribbean International’s Freedom of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas, all of which required detailed planning and flexibility from the MJM team.
“We pride ourselves on taking a collaborative approach with our clients and supply chain,” explains Nevin. “Planning is a key contributor to the success of any renovation so we can meet the expectations of the client within realistic time frames. This often involves using modular methods of construction to ensure less disruption to the infrastructure of the ship during refurbishments.”
Forward planning enables MJM to prioritise sustainability too. “We understand the sustainability challenges that the cruise industry is currently facing and believe that the small steps we make contribute towards the wider achievement of larger goals,” says Nevin. “Open communication and innovation are two of the main attributes our team bring to our existing and future relationships. We have an acute responsibility to meet a client’s sustainability agenda and our own responsible company targets.”
To help it meet some of its own sustainability targets, MJM carries out material segregation and uses reusable energy sourced from solar panels and a biomass burner wherever possible. It encourages its customers and suppliers to make sustainable choices, too.
“We suggest more sustainable products when we can, even when cruise operators and owners specify the materials either directly or through a design company,” says Nevin. “Via this, we make every effort to promote a responsible supply chain.”
MJM also follows sustainable practices when delivering its carpet and upholstery services, focusing on upcycling existing furniture on cruise ships rather than fully replacing it. Its services include reupholstering furniture and soft goods such as draperies, headboards and bedding; painting and refinishing furniture; and fitting carpets and wooden and vinyl floors.”
“The overall industry has a real enthusiasm and an air of positivity that’s great to see following on from Covid-19,” concludes Nevin. “We will continue to assist our clients with safe and sustainable refurbishments and are looking forward to working on some new and exciting innovations through the rest of 2023.”
This article was first published in the 2023 issue of Cruise & Ferry Interiors. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed. Subscribe to Cruise & Ferry Interiors for FREE here to get the next issue delivered directly to your inbox or your door.