While we consider the actions we can take for a healthy planet, the clock is ticking. “On a global level we need to reduce emissions from 47.9 billion tons to 2.5 billion tons and, if we want to meet our global goal of limiting global warming to 1.5C to prevent long-lasting damage, we only have around 10 years to do it,” says Kristoffer Jensen, senior architect and head of interior and accommodation at OSK Design. “How do we translate the global environmental goals into industry targets, while still offering recreational experiences to cruise passengers and enabling shipowners to maintain balanced businesses?” Cruise and ferry operators have invested in technologies to increase the energy efficiency of their operations, as well as shore power and alternative fuels such as LNG and biofuel, to achieve this goal. Now, they are also experimenting with new approaches to interior design and refurbishment projects, and rethinking the materials and products they are using onboard their ships. “To move beyond promises, the industry must embrace lifecycle thinking by selecting materials that are not only sustainable at origin but also durable, repairable and recyclable throughout multiple refurbishment cycles,” says Greta Galmine, head of people and culture at marine outfitting firm Aros Marine. Wassim Daoud, head of corporate social responsibility and sustainability at cruise brand Ponant, agrees. “Achieving true sustainability requires collaboration and recyclable, biodegradable or upcycled materials that reduce resource depletion and climate change,” he says. “By prioritising energy-efficient design solutions – such as low-energy lighting and HVAC systems – and setting industrywide standards, we can create sustainable, high-quality interiors that support environmental and operational goals.” Many passenger shipping brands are making progress with more sustainable materials and designing for longevity, including China-based river cruise operator Century Cruises. “We prioritise the use of environmentally friendly, non-toxic and renewable materials throughout our vessels,” says Jack Xiong, the brand’s director of marketing and sales. “For instance, our furniture utilises ecocertified multilayer engineered wood with fire-retardant panels, which minimises the need for us to use paints or finishes that release harmful volatile organic compounds. Our ships’ ceiling panels are made of aluminium with a sandblasted eco-coating, while their walls feature lightweight aluminium honeycomb boards and our flooring is crafted with 100 per cent handmade Axminster carpets. These choices reduce 40 Stepping forward with sustainability The Sustainable Maritime Interiors Declaration was first published in 2023 by a group of designers, specifiers and maritime experts to promote the design, build and maintenance of more sustainable ship interiors. Rebecca Gibson asks some of the signatories what measures and initiatives are being prioritised to achieve real progress towards their environmental goals FEATURE WHAT IS THE SMI DECLARATION? Designed to inspire environmental advocacy and action, the Sustainable Maritime Interiors Declaration aims to make a meaningful contribution to sustainability performance improvement throughout the ship interior lifecycle via informed stakeholder guidance. It outlines seven commitments to champion environmental change and fully supports the UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles. To date, it has more than 300 supporters, all of whom are united in their quest to design, build and maintain more environmentally sustainable marine interiors. Read the full SMI Declaration and declare your support at: www.sustainablemaritimeinteriors.com
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