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Foreship provides key design input for launch of first Four Seasons yacht

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 14 May 2026 14 May 2026

Foreship, RINA’s marine consulting company, has been a key force behind the creation of the very first Four Seasons Yacht, bringing its world-renowned expertise in cruise ship design to one of the most anticipated ultraluxury vessels of the decade. Beginning its work in 2019, Foreship helped shape the project from initial vision to technical reality, ensuring that the yacht’s bold design ambitions were matched by uncompromising engineering standards.

The company worked alongside shipowner and operator Marc Henry Cruise Holdings Ltd. and architectural partner Tillberg Design of Sweden to develop a vessel that blends distinctive luxury design with the highest technical standards.

Foreship was responsible for delivering the outline concept design of the vessel and contributing expertise in several areas, including structural and naval architectural items, as well as providing energy‑efficiency studies. Throughout the project, Foreship reviewed the shipyard’s design documentation to ensure alignment with the owner’s vision, regulatory requirements, and long‑term operational expectations.

“Our deep know‑how in cruise‑ship newbuilding allowed us to seamlessly translate industry best practices into this ultra‑luxury yacht project. Our role extended far beyond reviewing drawings, we worked proactively to make sure the vessel is safe, technically robust, and built to perform optimally throughout its lifetime.” says Santeri Ihalainen, Head of the Project Department at Foreship.

Passenger comfort was also a priority. To support an optimal onboard experience, Foreship ensured that the safety solutions were integrated smoothly into the vessel’s architecture, without affecting guest comfort, and carried out additional wind‑comfort studies to optimise the design of the windbreakers.

Among the vessel’s unique design features, two elements stand out: the four‑deck‑high Funnel Suite and the innovative covered lifeboat arrangements. Both required risk assessments and developing alternative design solutions to meet safety and regulatory standards while preserving the owner’s and architects’ design intent, with Foreship providing support throughout the process

“This project has been a collaborative journey between the owner, Foreship, the shipyard, and the designer,” Ihalainen concludes. “We are proud to have supported the owner through every phase, from concept to delivery, to bring this remarkable vessel to life.”

Finnlines selects Valmet’s integrated automation systems to optimize performance of three new ropax vessels

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 27 April 2026 27 April 2026

Valmet has received an order to deliver integrated automation systems for three new ropax vessels for Finnlines. The new vessels will strengthen Finnlines’ capacity on their key routes while supporting their long‑term sustainability and efficiency ambitions.

When planning the next generation of ropax vessels, Finnlines set a clear requirement: the crew needed to have access to all critical information in real time. Fragmented systems, each with separate interfaces, data sources, and maintenance practices, were no longer sufficient.

“Automation plays a central role in ensuring safe, reliable and energy-efficient operations across our fleet. We wanted a modern, integrated view of the vessels’ systems that will simplify daily work, reduce the risk of misaligned information, support consistent operating procedures, and make the vessels easier to maintain throughout their lifecycle. We evaluated our options with these objectives in mind and chose Valmet because of their proven technology and long track record with Finnlines,” says Juha Ahia, Manager, Newbuildings & Projects, Finnlines.

“We are proud to continue our long-standing cooperation with Finnlines. Their commitment to high operational standards and sustainable shipping aligns well with our capabilities in marine automation. Our integrated automation solution will provide a strong technological foundation for the new RoPax vessels and support their performance throughout the vessels’ lifetime,” says Hédi Azzouz, Vice President, Energy, Process and Marine Systems, Automation Solutions Business Area, Valmet.

The order is included in Valmet’s orders received for the first quarter of 2026. The value of the order will not be disclosed.

About the delivery

Valmet’s delivery includes the Valmet DNA Integrated Automation System (IAS), covering machinery and power management automation, alarm and monitoring, and a full suite of operational tools to support safe, efficient, and environmentally sound vessel operations.

The systems will be delivered to the shipyard during 2026–2027, with commissioning aligned with the vessels’ construction schedules.

Telenor Maritime and Quvia expand partnership to deliver AI-driven connectivity for cruise and ferry

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 26 April 2026 26 April 2026

Telenor Maritime and Quvia are expanding their partnership on AI-driven connectivity optimisation, following a successful Proof of Concept (PoC) that delivered measurable improvements in network performance and passenger experience.

Telenor Maritime delivers end-to-end connectivity solutions to the maritime industry, supporting both passenger and crew services on cruise and ferry vessels. Joint solutions between Telenor Maritime and Quvia are already active on cruise vessels, with the collaboration focused on strengthening how connectivity performance is managed and optimised across these environments.

“Telenor Maritime has been at the forefront of delivering robust and future-proof connectivity solutions to our customers for decades,” says Magnus Müller, CEO of Telenor Maritime. “With Quvia, we are exploring how we can further develop our ability to monitor and manage performance in real time. Our focus is to deliver the best possible experience for passengers and crew on board.”

Quvia’s AI-driven platform adds an intelligent optimisation layer on top of existing connectivity, enabling real-time monitoring and dynamic traMic management. The solutions will address performance, stability, and capacity during high-demand periods, delivering improved eMiciency and a more consistent experience for passengers and crew.

“Building on our experience supporting connectivity at scale across cruise environments, we see ferry operations as the next frontier – where fast-moving, high-density conditions leave little room for disruption,” said Kidsan Barnes, SVP, Cruise & Ferry at Quvia. “With Telenor Maritime, we’re strengthening how connectivity is monitored and optimised in real time – bringing greater continuity to every journey. At the same time, we’re enabling a more robust platform for personalised passenger experiences, while maintaining stability and eMiciency for both passengers and crew.”

The expanded collaboration was formalised during Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami and represents an important milestone in the companies’ ongoing partnership.

Merima invests in the future of the Finnish maritime industry with a new office and logistics centre in Turku

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 24 April 2026 24 April 2026

Merima Oy is investing in the future and operational efficiency by building a dedicated logistics centre and office at a new maritime industry business park near the Meyer Turku shipyard.

Blue Industry Park is Europe's leading maritime and manufacturing industry cluster, taking shape on the Turku shipyard site. The area brings together pioneers from their respective fields, with access to first-class logistics connections.

"Turku is an important hub for us, from which we serve customers around the world. Our new 4,000-square-metre facilities will improve our efficiency and further strengthen long-term collaboration with local and international operators in the Turku region," says Merima CEO Mikko Mäkiranta.

Logistics and seamless workflows at the heart of the new space

Merima is a family-owned company with nearly 40 years of experience and an internationally recognised expert on demanding full-scope maritime projects. The company delivers high-quality newbuild and refurbishment projects for cruise vessels globally, with a focus on the most demanding and complex assignments. Smooth logistics and efficient working days are essential to how Merima operates.

"This move strengthens our ability to serve our customers at an even higher level and creates the conditions for sustainable growth. Our own ways of working and processes need to be in order because we support our clients across the full project lifecycle, from the earliest sketches right through to the final finishing touches, and we also provide ongoing support. The new facilities are being designed to make it easy for people to connect and work even more efficiently," says Mäkiranta.