Products & services

Foreship supports amplification of Allure of the Seas

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 03 June 2025 03 June 2025

Ship design and engineering company Foreship has been working with Royal Caribbean on the $100 million amplification of Allure of the Seas, culminating in the recently completed drydock phase.

Foreship’s multi-disciplinary team worked in close coordination with Royal Caribbean from the planning phase in late 2023 onwards, with personnel in the yard on project management duties until the new-look ship’s redelivery in April 2025.

In between, Foreship has been providing the naval architecture, risk assessment, basic design work, piping and cabling engineering services, documentation for class and contractor coordination that turn owner amplification ambitions into ship-shape solutions.

Tasks have included designing a new steel structure in the forward part of the ship to accommodate additional cabins, and structural design to support new water slides.

Foreship has also taken care of work involving the installation of Ultimate Abyss – a 10-storey dry slide at the aft of the ship that is already featured on other Oasis-class ships. With a 100ft drop between decks 16 and 6, the exhilarating ride required new pillars under Boardwalk on Deck 6 to take the additional load.

In less visible work, Foreship has taken responsibility for modifying the piping, electrical cabling, and other systems that Allure of the Seas needs to support new attractions, including whirlpools and fountains and a remodeled pool deck.

“We have been working with Royal Caribbean for over a decade across multiple major assignments, including their newbuilding and refurbishment work and we are delighted to add the amplification of Allure of the Seas to our Royal Caribbean projects,” said Daniel Grönroos, Senior Project Manager, Foreship. “Our job is to provide the planning, design, engineering, and project management services to help Royal Caribbean deliver phenomenal holidays.”

Valmet introduces its next-generation automation system, Valmet DNAe, for the marine industry

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 02 June 2025 02 June 2025

Valmet, a major supplier of ship automation, introduces the Valmet DNAe Integrated Automation System for the marine industry. Valmet DNAe is a fully web-based marine control system that integrates seamlessly with all onboard equipment, providing ship owners with a unified platform for efficient operations. It is the first web-based automation system to receive the ISASecure SSA Level 1 certification for its built-in cybersecurity approach.

“As the maritime industry evolves and ships become increasingly connected, our customers have a growing need to manage and analyze large volumes of data, taking cybersecurity into account. Therefore, in developing this system, we have focused on usability, performance, and cybersecurity, while ensuring efficient, safe, and reliable operations,” says John Weierud, Director, Marine Automation, Automation Systems, Valmet.

Designed to support the work of all automation user groups

Valmet DNAe is developed with a design philosophy that empowers people to perform and collaborate better. The system provides a common user interface for controls, analytics, configuration, and maintenance. Intuitive workflows and advanced analytics tools enable crew members to manage the system from engine control room to the bridge, with less effort, turning real-time and historical data into actionable insights.

A high-performing automation system advancing digitalization

Valmet DNAe has been engineered for demanding process control, emphasizing performance and availability. It features a scalable, redundant data platform, granting easy and controlled access to all data. The system architecture is cybersecure by design, with role-based access control, authentication, audit trail, and encryption mechanisms for proactive prevention of cyber threats. With smooth OT/IT (Operational Technology/Information Technology) connectivity through secure communication interfaces with external systems, Valmet DNAe establishes a robust foundation for advancing digitalization in the marine industry.

Step-by-step upgrade paths for a cost-efficient system evolution

Valmet DNAe offers step-by-step upgrade paths for a cost-efficient system evolution. The system shares its web-based user interface, analytics tools, and common hardware with the previous generation of Valmet DNA, ensuring compatibility and ease of transition for existing customers.

”The launch of Valmet DNAe in the marine industry marks a significant milestone in our journey to providing future-proof automation solutions. With this new system, we are well-positioned to expand our footprint in the global marine industry,” continues Weierud.

Valmet DNAe will be showcased at various maritime events throughout the year, starting with the Nor-Shipping marine exhibition in Oslo from June 2 to 6, 2025.

Opinion: Immersive design for Generation Z

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 21 May 2025 21 May 2025

Two decades of extraordinary growth in guest numbers demonstrate the expanding appeal, reach and variety of cruise ship vacations. Trond Sigurdsen, Senior Architect, YSA Design considers where Gen Z cruise guests fit in.

If more vacationers than ever before take a cruise each year, pressure remains intense to continuously reinvent the cruising experience – with new vessels, attractions, destinations and adventures enticing guests to join or return to ship.

Today, every proposition is also underpinned the principles of sustainability, as embodied by zero emission battery, sail or shore power, green water treatment and waste disposal, or by using recyclable materials.

Matching guest profiles to the ambience, styling and branding stories which owners aspire to is therefore a constantly refreshed challenge for cruise ship designers.

Exclusive luxury, gourmet dining, private island excursions, concierge or even butler service, immersive adventures, themed cruises, engaging with local cultures and positive guest action on environmental responsibility have all played roles in creating new cruise experiences and differentiating brands. Some cruise lines are even catering specifically to solo travellers.

Generation Z, defined as those born between 1997 and 2012, are increasingly part of the cruise market’s target audience for sustaining growth. While the attractions outlined above will no doubt prove alluring, this is new ground for a cruise industry which has already leant into this source of ideas to extend its growth curve.

Fortunately, Gen Z cruise guests have also been incubating desires of their own for new experiences that are immersive, authentic and - of course - digitally connected.

Satisfying these imperatives will be about more than designing ‘with a twist’ for a new cruise constituency which is coming of age, however.

Bold and vivid experiences

At one level, in a digital age where posting on social media is itself part of the experience, bolder shapes and more vivid colours are a prerequisite. Influencers – or more properly the view of the infinity pool, robot bartender or ship-themed backdrop they will share from - are also already part of the designer’s picture.

But the distinct requirements of Gen Z go beyond personal branding. These guests are also highly sociable in real life and expect to find stylish spaces on board that have been designed for group activities. Celebrity DJ sets, musical festivals at sea, game rooms or exclusive night clubs create the ‘buzz’ that builds communities.

Youth can also limit budget, meaning that while push-button or even app-level control of the cabin environment may be expected – the Gen Z cruise guest may also be prepared to share private spaces too, which has consequences for cabin design. Suites, for example, will need to be flexible enough for to accommodate friends - not just couples and families.

Experiences that last in memory are also generally those outside the comfort zone. For Gen Z thrill seekers, however, the adrenalin rush options include skydiving and surf simulators, as well as climbing walls, rollercoasters, go-kart tracks, zip lines, cantilevered pods and vertical drop tubes. By way of reminder, however, such digital attractions rely in part on physical design to ensure that their VR and AR capabilities deliver the full impact of any 360-degree immersive experience.

Space for good times

Designers for this discerning audience must also be attuned to the new dietary requirements of a generation that is passionate about food and highly sensitive to latest trends, increasingly favours plant-based options, and is vigilant on sourcing and waste disposal. As well as multiplying dining options, designers must also create spaces for the growing popularity of shared eating habits.

Other ideas on what a ‘good time’ consists in are also changing. Gen Z sees well-being and self-development as a vacation goal, rather than its fortunate outcome. Pool decks remain a key area for design innovation, but so do spaces for personal training, yoga classes, spa treatments, mindfulness and meditation.

Gen Z’s consciousness on sustainability goes beyond a preference for environmentally responsible itineraries, low ship emissions and recycled plastic water bottles. The ocean – as well as the ship – is a destination, with Gen Z guests seeking to experience it close up.

Designs that enable access to the sea not only provide opportunities for kiting, scuba diving and sailing; they also create areas for pop up waterside dining or the sea level beach clubs.

At a personal level, this is also a generation that wishes to engage with the local communities it visits in a positive way that benefits the local economy and culture. It is also one that is also happy to spend time in the shipboard lab, make eco-choices during the cruise and, increasingly, seeks out packages with opportunities to volunteer for conservation or clean-up operations.

In some ways, these reflections on the place humans occupy in the world have parallels in the language of design. Many may understand their built surroundings simply through touch and feel, fashion and function. For professionals, however design is also the discipline of expressing the values and motivations that lie behind its creation.

For Gen Z’s self-conscious cruisers, designers must work to make sure that brand identification cuts through. Rather, a ship’s amenities, attractions, itinerary, identity and built environment must be ambassadors for those who made it.

Trond Sigurdsen, YSA Design

Deltamarin wins design contract for Finnlines’ new ‘Hansa Superstar’ vessels

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 27 May 2025 27 May 2025

Deltamarin has signed a contract with China Merchants Weihai Shipyard for the design and engineering of Finnlines’ new Hansa Superstar class ropax vessels. The signed contract includes the complete basic and detail design of three ropax vessels built for Finnlines and to be operated in the Baltic Sea.

The contract continues the successful collaboration between Deltamarin, Finnlines and Weihai shipyard, following the completion of the concept and contract design for the vessels earlier this year.

The basic design project begins at Deltamarin immediately, with the majority of the work scheduled to be completed by early 2026.

The new design is an evolution of the already state-of-the-art Superstar-class vessels, but with enhanced quality of transport for both rolling cargo and passengers in the Baltic Sea. The new design has been adapted for the Finland-Germany route and will be better suited for longer crossings, feature new cabin categories and provide restaurant options tailored to different passenger preferences, with a strong focus on the overall onboard experience.

These vessels will combine high transport capacity, innovative design, and superior onboard comfort. Key features include multifuel engines, optimized hull and propeller designs, shore power connection, and energy-efficient onboard power management systems for both at sea and in port – all contributing to over a 50% reduction in CO₂ emissions per transported cargo unit compared to vessels currently operating on the same routes.

Each 240-metre vessel will offer 5,100 lane meters of cargo space for rolling freight, capacity for 90 cars, and accommodation for up to 1,100 passengers across 320 cabins. Designed with sustainability in mind, all vessels will be equipped with engines capable of running on methanol, supporting the goal of achieving net zero emissions. The vessels are scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2029.

“Together with Deltamarin, we have developed Superstar-class vessels, setting a completely new standard for freight and passenger traffic in the Baltic Sea. With our new investment programme, we are proud to continue this shared journey. Our longstanding and successful partnership with Deltamarin and China Merchants Weihai Shipyard have been instrumental in driving innovation and strengthening efficient maritime transport,” said Juha Ahia, Manager of Newbuilding & Projects at Finnlines.

“The signed contract marks the continuation of a longstanding partnership between Deltamarin and Weihai Shipyard. Our partnership has continually delivered reliable, efficient and environmentally conscious vessels that meet the expectations of both the vessel owner and regulators. This order demonstrates the trust our clients place in our ability to design and deliver state-of-the-art ropax vessels. With this latest order, the total number of ropaxes designed by Deltamarin and built by Weihai Shipyard reaches an impressive 22 ships during the last 10 years,” said Janne Uotila, Managing Director of Deltamarin.

Ou Shubo, Deputy General Manager at Weihai Shipyard, continues: “The expertise and support Deltamarin provides have always been invaluable, and we look forward to delivering these next-generation vessels to Finnlines, which will play a key role in their sustainable fleet expansion.”

The new contract reinforces the track record of delivering efficient, innovative ropax vessels in the market and highlights the proven performance of the Superstar-class design – serving as both the inspiration and foundation for the new Hansa Superstar class.

MAN Energy Solutions to deliver world's most powerful methanol engine

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 21 May 2025 21 May 2025

MAN Energy Solutions has announced that it will deliver the world's most powerful two-stroke methanol engine in June 2025. The engine, an MAN B&W 12G95ME-C10.5-LGIM (-Liquid Gas Injection Methanol) type rated at 82,440 kW @ 80rpm, is currently being built by Chinese licensee, CSSC-MES Diesel Co., Ltd. (CMD).

The engine is the first of 12 bound for a series of 12 × 24,000 teu container vessels currently under construction: seven at Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd. (NACKS) for shipowner, Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd. (OOCL); and five at Dalian COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd. (DACKS) for shipowner, COSCO Shipping Lines Co., Ltd. Each engine will also feature MAN Energy Solutions’ proprietary EGRTC (Exhaust Gas Recirculation Turbocharger Cut-out) emissions system, the largest two-string EGR system on a two-stroke engine to date.

Bjarne Foldager, Head of Two-Stroke Business, MAN Energy Solutions, said: “At MAN Energy Solutions, our vision of 'Moving Big Things to Zero' motivates everything we do in developing the engine technology to operate on those fuels vying for prominence in the future market. This latest, remarkable milestone – the world’s most powerful methanol engine – is just the latest fulfilment of that. By harnessing the potential of methanol, we are bringing the maritime industry closer to zero-emission solutions and we fully expect methanol to figure prominently as a future-fuel across all segments. Our thanks go to CMD, OOCL and COSCO Shipping, valued partners with whom we continue to share so many highlights.”

Christian Ludwig, Head of Two-Stroke Sales and Promotion, MAN Energy Solutions, said: “As we move towards a multi-fuel future, interest in methanol has grown steadily. To date, between newbuild engines and retrofits, we have won over 230 ME-LGIM references that have accumulated over 600,000 hours running on methanol alone. With ME-LGIM technology reaching 10 years in the market, it represents mature, proven technology and reflects MAN Energy Solutions’ ability to develop attractive technology to enable shipping’s carbon transition. Furthermore, while methanol produced from renewable sources is an attractive marine-fuel option due to its low carbon-intensity, an engine using green methanol can even provide carbon-neutral propulsion – adding to the benefits the ME-LGIM brings to the table.”