Products & services

Steerprop and Aboa Mare enter cooperation agreement on simulator-based propulsion training

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 01 April 2026 01 April 2026

Finnish marine propulsion expert Steerprop and Aboa Mare, a leading maritime training and simulation centre, have entered into a cooperation agreement covering simulator-based training services for vessels equipped with Steerprop propulsion systems.

Under the agreement, Steerprop will be able to order tailored simulator training from Aboa Mare for its customers. The training programmes are designed to support the safe and efficient operation of vessels fitted with Steerprop propulsion equipment, across a range of operating conditions and vessel types.

The services consist of simulator-based courses organised together with Aboa Mare, focusing on vessel handling, manoeuvring and operational decision-making using propulsion systems supplied by Steerprop. The detailed scope and content of each training programme will be defined jointly by the parties on a case-by-case basis, based on the customer’s vessel type, operating profile and operational requirements.

Aboa Mare is an internationally recognised maritime competence centre based in Turku, Finland, specialising in advanced training, simulation, research and development for the maritime industry. The centre provides realistic, full-mission simulator environments for shiphandling, engine room operations and integrated bridge systems, supporting both seafarers and maritime organisations worldwide.

The cooperation strengthens Steerprop’s offering by combining propulsion technology with practical, experience-based training. For shipowners and operators, the collaboration provides an opportunity to improve operational safety, performance and energy efficiency by ensuring that crews are fully familiar with the behaviour and capabilities of their propulsion systems in real-world scenarios.

Simulator-based training is particularly valuable for vessels operating in demanding environments, such as in ice operations, where precise manoeuvring, high availability and correct system use are critical. By integrating propulsion-specific training into its customer support offering, Steerprop aims to support long-term operational performance and lifecycle value for its customers.

“Modern azimuth propulsion systems offer significant performance and efficiency benefits, but real value is achieved only when crews fully understand how the systems behave in different operating conditions. Through our cooperation with Aboa Mare, we can offer customers targeted simulator training that supports safe operations, optimised performance and long-term reliability,” said Tom Ekegren, Director of Arctic & Naval Segments, Steerprop.

“Through simulator training reflecting real operating scenarios and unique equipment characteristics, we can help crews build competence and confidence before they face challenging situations at sea,” said Thomas Friis, Training Director, Aboa Mare.

Armada Technologies signs order with TUI Cruises for installation of air lubrication system

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 10 February 2026 10 February 2026

Armada Technologies, a provider of next-generation air lubrication systems (ALS), has signed an agreement with TUI Cruises to install its Passive Air Lubrication System (PALS) on the cruise ship Mein Schiff 6. TUI Cruises is a joint venture of TUI Group and Royal Caribbean Group.

Mein Schiff 6 was built in 2017 with a gross tonnage of 98,785 and capacity for 2,534 passengers across 15 decks.

The system will be installed by Q1 2027 when the vessel is expected to dry dock in Singapore. Through the deal, Armada will help TUI Cruises advance its decarbonisation goals and improve operational efficiency.

TUI Cruises will utilise Armada’s second-generation PALS, which functions without the need for air compressors. Using the vessel’s forward motion and surrounding water flow, PALS generates a fine air-water mixture that reduces hull resistance, maintains efficiency even in rough conditions, and minimises auxiliary power use. The system also offers a broader operating range than conventional ALS, delivering consistent performance across different speeds, drafts, and sea states.

Adoption of Armada’s technology onboard the cruise vessel will result in enhanced fuel efficiency, reduced GHG emissions and support compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) certification and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) ratings. It will also lower lifetime operating costs, compared to other ALS with reduced inspections and service needs.

Armada Technologies has pursued comprehensive independent verification of its technology’s performance across a wide, variable range of operational conditions. This includes cavitation tunnel testing, model tank testing on two distinct hull forms, and extensive collaborative research with Liverpool John Moores University's Global Centre for Maritime Innovation. Additionally, the first installation of PALS on the LNG carrier Kool Husky is undergoing a DNV-led long-term independent evaluation program at sea. This testing phase is designed to accumulate performance data across a wide range of operational conditions, including various speeds, drafts, and sea states. Furthermore, PALS has received design and installation approvals from RINA, DNV and ABS.

Speaking on the announcement, Alex Routledge, CEO of Armada Technologies, said: “We’re proud to be partnering with TUI Cruises, one of the industry’s most forward-thinking operators, to deliver tangible efficiency and sustainability gains. This agreement reflects growing confidence in PALS and its proven ability to deliver real performance improvements at sea.”

Christian Lerche, Director Fleet Operations & Health at TUI Cruises, added: “Our path to net zero requires working with partners who share our focus on practical, scalable innovation. Armada’s PALS offers a compelling opportunity to enhance vessel efficiency and reduce emissions, and we’re pleased to be taking this important step together onboard one of our vessels.”

Unlocking revenue potential with the MXP365 Digital Guest Journey

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 12 January 2026 12 January 2026

With the MXP365 Digital Guest Journey, guests enjoy personalized recommendations powered by MXP AI. The development of the bespoke MXP AI Sales Recommendations Engine is the result of 5 years of hard work by the MXP AI team. Proprietary algorithms developed specifically for the unique requirements of the cruise industry are superior to commonly used LLMs like OpenAI or Gemini.

MXP365 AI combines the guest profile, preferences and purchases with the availability of onboard services and products. Guests receive meaningful recommendations for their preferred onboard activities. Personalized recommendations are made across all MXP365 touchpoints, including the MXP365 guest app, web portal, and the industry’s most advanced iTV.

Benefits
– Guest satisfaction - matching interests and preferences to activities
– Revenue growth - recommendations are made for pre-cruise and onboard purchases
– High personalization - AI engine automatically adjusts recommendations based on historical records
– Better capacity utilization - timed recommendations to fill remaining vacancies

By focusing on meaningful recommendations, MXP365 delivers highly personalized content without overwhelming guests, creating value for both guests and cruise lines.

Evac and Carnival Corporation sign global service contract for preventive maintenance of Evac systems

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 05 February 2026 05 February 2026

Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest cruise company, has signed a new global service contract with Evac Group for preventive annual maintenance and lifecycle services covering Evac systems installed across the company’s eight cruise lines.

The agreement follows a proactive, fleet-level approach extending the lifetime of Evac systems and improving reliability, efficiency and cost predictability. By planning maintenance in advance, harmonizing ways of working across cruise lines and including onboard crew training during annual visits, the service agreement aims to reduce the risk of unplanned outages and support Carnival Corporation’s decarbonization efforts.

“This agreement marks an important step in our strategy to safeguard the performance of our environmental systems while driving efficient operations,” says Vera Lannek, VP, Sourcing & Machinery Lifecycle Management, Carnival Corporation & plc. “By partnering with Evac as the original equipment supplier, we can leverage technology for a more proactive fleet-level approach that supports our operational& decarbonization objectives efficiently and also helps ensure a smoother, more reliable onboard experience for our guests by reducing the chance of system-related disruptions.”

With this proactive approach, Evac demonstrates its commitment to advancing a future with nothing to waste by helping cruise operators improve the performance, efficiency and sustainability of their onboard environmental systems through advanced maintenance concepts and services.

“We are proud to strengthen our long-standing cooperation with Carnival Corporation through this global service contract,” says Kourtney Dever, Head of Cruise Service North America, Evac Group. “By combining proactive annual maintenance, predefined spare part kits, onboard crew training, and fleet-wide health checks, we can help Carnival Corporation enhance reliability, predictability, and efficiency across the fleet.”

Almaco Group details its delivery for the Celebrity Xcel

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 11 January 2026 11 January 2026

Almaco Group recently announced the successful delivery of provision stores onboard Celebrity Cruises’ fifth Edge-class vessel, Celebrity Xcel, built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique. The project was delivered in October 2025 and marks another milestone in the ongoing collaboration between Almaco Group, Celebrity Cruises, and Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

The scope of Almaco’s delivery included provision stores onboard the newbuild, ensuring optimal layout, functionality, and compliance with the highest standards of food safety and operational efficiency. The provision stores are designed to support the vessel’s demanding service profile and enhance onboard logistics for crew and culinary operations.

The provision stores were engineered and installed to optimize space utilization and workflow, contributing to the vessel’s overall functionality and guest experience.

Almaco’s team worked closely with the shipyard and client to ensure timely delivery and seamless integration. “We are proud to have contributed to the success of Celebrity Xcel and to continue our strong partnership with Celebrity Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique,” says Samuel Teyssier, Project Manager at Almaco Group.