161 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. 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 longterm 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. “ In both the immediate and long-term future, our focus remains on sustainability”
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