56 With the passenger shipping industry working to translate its environmental commitments into measurable action, circularity is emerging as an increasingly important focus for operators and suppliers of products for cruise ship and ferry interiors. Whereas the traditional, linear model of consumption sees consumers buy, use and then throw away products, the circular approach involves repeatedly reusing resources throughout the value chain to reduce waste and optimise usage. For signatories of the Sustainable Maritime Interiors (SMI) Declaration – a cross-industry initiative established in 2023 dedicated to designing, building and maintaining more sustainable maritime interiors – embedding circular principles into everyday decision-making is becoming a tangible long-term goal. My Nguyen, senior director of design and innovation at Holland America Line and Seabourn, says that despite significant practical challenges, the industry is beginning to make progress towards circularity. “Our primary goal is circularity, and in marine interiors it must be applied pragmatically,” she says. “There simply are not enough options in the market yet. However, I’m encouraged by the increase in sustainable products being developed, and by conversations about circularity that are turning into action.” The SMI Declaration called on signatories to embrace circular design principles for longevity and flexibility, optimised material use, waste reduction and easy maintenance, repair and recycling. For Nguyen, turning those principles into reality means building strong relationships with innovative and forward-thinking suppliers. “At Holland America Line and Seabourn, we are advancing through strategic partnerships with suppliers who offer take-back programmes for materials such as carpet and textiles,” she says. “We are committed to collaborating with companies willing to innovate alongside us, recognising that scaling circularity in this space depends on strong, meaningful partnerships for a deeper cause.” As circularity starts to become a realistic ambition for operators and designers, they are beginning to consider how materials will be maintained, recovered and reintegrated throughout a vessel’s life. Cassidy Butler, who works alongside Nguyen as an interior sustainability specialist at Holland America Line, says this shift in thinking should begin at the earliest stages of any project. “Circularity should be our industry’s north star, the guiding principle that shapes every decision,” Alex Smith asks signatories of the Sustainable Maritime Interiors Declaration whether circularity is a realistic ambition for passenger shipping and how it might be achieved Is the future of marine design circular? FEATURE “ I’m encouraged by the increase in sustainable products being developed, and by conversations about circularity that are turning into action” My Nguyen Holland America Line and Seabourn
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