Products & services

Bureau Veritas appoints new Head of Passenger Ships and Yachts for North American region

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 08 April 2025 08 April 2025

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV), a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification, has announced the appointment of Stefano Colonna as the new Head of Passenger Ships and Yachts for the North American region, during Seatrade Cruise Global 2025.

With more than 30 years of leadership experience in the passenger ships and yachting industries, Stefano has held prominent roles, including Vice President of Service for North and South America at NAVIM Group, overseeing Quality Assurance and Certifications, Director of Marine Safety Operations at Carnival Cruise Line and Director of Technical Safety Operations at The Walt Disney Company.

Specializing in new builds, capital project management, technical safety operations, and regulatory compliance, Stefano has successfully overseen the management and operational safety of multi-billion-dollar fleets, including cruise ships, luxury yachts, and passenger vessels, ensuring they meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficiency.

Stefano’s expertise in shipboard systems, regulatory compliance, and risk management was pivotal in executing complex projects such as Safe Return to Port certification, major vessel refurbishments, and fleet-wide safety enhancements.

As Head of Passenger Ships and Yachts, North America, Stefano will be responsible for continuing to strengthen BV’s presence within the cruise and yachting sector. Leading on initiatives to enhance vessel classification, safety, and regulatory compliance, ensuring that passenger ships and yachts operate at the forefront of innovation, sustainability, and safety standards.

Matthieu de Tugny, President of Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, said: “The passenger ship and yacht sector are key growth areas of BV and the appointment of Stefano as the strategic lead in North America – a vital passenger and leisure market – marks a significant milestone in strengthening BV’s presence in the region. Stefano has an established reputation for overseeing technical safety, ship operations, and new-build projects, driving excellence in vessel safety, operations, and compliance, and it is with great pleasure that we welcome him to the team.”

Stefano Colonna, Head of Passenger Ships and Yachts – North America, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, said: “I’m delighted to be joining the BV team. As a leader in global classification, BV plays a vital role as a trusted partner in supporting the highest standards of safety, quality, efficiency, and innovation within the maritime industry, and I look forward to building upon their established expertise in the passenger ship and yachts sector, within North America.”

Navantia S.A., S.M.E. signs new framework agreement with Royal Caribbean Group

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 08 April 2025 08 April 2025

Navantia S.A., S.M.E. and Royal Caribbean Group, have signed a strategic Framework Agreement, strengthening the long-standing partnership between the two companies, and setting the stage for future modernization and revitalization projects. The signing ceremony took place at Royal Caribbean Group’s headquarters in Miami, attended by executives from both companies.

The relationship between Navantia and Royal Caribbean dates back to 2012 when Navantia successfully revitalized two Royal Caribbean ships in Cádiz. Since then, 45 cruise ships from the vacation company have been refurbished, modernized, and revitalized at the Spanish shipyard, reinforcing its position as a leader in the cruise ship repair and revitalization industry.

Marcos Díaz, General Director Ship Repairs of Navantia and Anders Aasen, Senior Vice President Global Marine Technology of Royal Caribbean Group were present to sign the renewed agreement. “We are absolutely delighted to renew our frame agreement with Royal Caribbean and look forward to strengthening the already excellent relationship between our companies through safe and successful dockings of their fleet. We appreciate the trust bestowed upon us over the past 14 years by such a key leader of the cruise ship industry,” Marcos Diaz said.

Currently, Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas is undergoing a major revitalization project at Navantia’s Cadiz shipyard. The ship has previously visited Navantia in 2015 and 2020, further showcasing the excellent relation between the two companies.

Bolidt launches Bolideck ‘Signature’ as modern reinterpretation of iconic Future Teak

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 07 April 2025 07 April 2025

New ‘Signature’ decking system from Bolidt sets fresh standards in authenticity for a Bolideck product family that is already established as the market-leading alternative to real teak.

Resin applications specialist Bolidt has unveiled Bolideck Future Teak Signature Premium as a modern reinterpretation of the sustainable, durable and lightweight alternative to real teak which has led the cruise market for 20 years.

Using a sophisticated blend of colours to recreate the natural patterns of the highest quality of teak, Bolidt began developing Bolideck Signature Premium together with the Accor Group Orient Express brand in 2023. The result is a next generation decking solution, which is distinguished by exceptional authenticity – inspired by nature and with the ‘look and feel’ of timeless elegance.

The new system will feature on board the Orient Express Corinthian, which will enter service as the largest sailing yacht at sea upon delivery from Chantiers de l’Atlantique in 2026.

“Chantiers de l’Atlantique has been specifying Bolidt solutions on its cruise newbuilds for decades,” commented Gerben Smit, Head of Operations, Bolidt. “Bolideck Future Teak Signature Premium achieves a timeless elegance befitting of a vessel that marries classic aesthetics and modern innovation for a new era of maritime luxury. We are delighted with the result.”

Made of a higher-quality material with greater colour stability, Bolideck Signature Premium is also less prone to the fading effect of sustained UV exposure on sun decks and retains its natural appearance even when wet.

“We were inspired to create Bolideck Future Teak Signature Premium with this extraordinary sailing yacht of the future in mind – where innovation meets nature and sustainability,” said Smit. “To achieve a level of elegance and natural aesthetics that would surpass those of the original Future Teak, we used an entirely new development process incorporating specialist tools and testing equipment. Even the pouring procedure is based on a new technique that our installers need to be specially trained in.”

Bolideck Future Teak Signature Premium is being unveiled at the forthcoming Seatrade Cruise Global exhibition, taking place in Miami this week.

Vard Electro in first SeaQ Integrated Bridge delivery for cruise

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 07 April 2025 07 April 2025

Vard Electro has delivered a new and innovative bridge design for Mein Schiff Relax, the first of two new dual-fuel powered InTUItion-class cruise ships, built and delivered by Fincantieri for TUI Cruises, a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Group. It is the first SeaQ Integrated Bridge delivered to the cruise industry and marks the entry into a new market segment for Vard Electro as a supplier of maritime electronics.

As part of Fincantieri’s digitalization strategy, the subsidiary Vard Electro is making strides in the cruise market with its SeaQ technology. Being part of Fincantieri has been instrumental in the company’s achievements within this segment.

The renowned SeaQ Integrated Bridge has been further developed to meet the specific needs and challenges of cruise ships through a four-year process of collaboration with TUI Cruises. This represents a significant leap in terms of digital integration of shipboard systems to enhance operational efficiency.

“The SeaQ Integrated Bridge is an advanced solution that gives operators a new perspective and new way of viewing their systems,” says Gisle Anderssen, SVP Sales and Marketing at Vard Electro.

“By working directly with TUI Cruises from day one, we have been able to gain first-hand insight into their challenges, allowing us to create flexible solutions with tailored bridge equipment that can effectively meet their requirements,” Anderssen continues.

The SeaQ bridge integrates all systems into a seamless operational loop - without the need for system modifications - to ensure optimal efficiency and control in a minimalistic yet highly functional bridge design with a focus on ergonomics and safety. This allows access to all seamlessly connected systems whether you are on the main bridge, safety command center, bridge wing or in the Engine Control Room.

“It is the first time that I have been able to access every system from a single workstation. This represents a significant improvement on conventional bridge systems, with a tremendously enhanced and highly streamlined working environment that sets a new standard for the cruise sector,” says Captain of Mein Schiff Relax, Tom Roth.

As a long-established and recognized supplier of its SeaQ range of products to the maritime industry, Vard Electro has so far performed fifty deliveries of the future-oriented SeaQ Integrated Bridge solution across different vessel segments over many years.

“Delivering the first SeaQ Integrated Bridge for cruise is an important milestone for Vard Electro. By taking our digital SeaQ technology into the cruise world, we are stepping up to a market with much larger vessels and more complex systems – and we believe this is only the first of many deliveries to this segment,” Anderssen concludes.

The SeaQ portfolio from Vard Electro includes a wide range of products and solutions that go beyond the delivery onboard Mein Schiff Relax. It is a portfolio of proven, future-oriented technologies with a strong focus on digitalization and smart integration across key areas such as power solutions, automation systems, bridge and navigation, communication, and autonomous technology.

The naming ceremony for Mein Schiff Relax will take place in Málaga on April 9th, joined by Mein Schiff 5 and Mein Schiff 7 – two other ships from the TUI Cruises fleet. The event marks the ship’s official naming and entry into service.

SmartSea and Cruise Saudi pioneer the future of cruise travel with Aroya

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 05 April 2025 05 April 2025

SmartSea, a global leader in maritime technology, has outlined its pivotal role in the creation of the iconic Aroya, the first ever Arabian cruise line.

Back in 2023, SmartSea and its partners conducted a thorough assessment of the ship’s IT infrastructure and cybersecurity systems, working to upgrade and secure critical systems. They then looked to reinforce the ship’s infrastructure and connectivity, including a patchwork upgrade to the vessel’s systems, which ensured it could safely accommodate the crew and contractors onboard. This was crucial to prepare the vessel for its extensive modernisation, involving a complete overhaul of its IT and operational systems.

One of the most complex elements of this transformation has been the integration of a wide range of technology partners, including connectivity experts, cybersecurity professionals and specialised providers providing hotel management software. These have all played a critical role in delivering services such as satellite connectivity, digital signage, video-on-demand, and property management systems, ensuring a seamless guest experience on board.
Key features of the modernisation project include:

– Seamless Connectivity: The integration of 2,000+ access points across the ship, ensuring reliable Wi-Fi connectivity for guests across various regions, including the Red Sea and Mediterranean.

– Advanced Cybersecurity: Enhanced security measures to protect guest data, crew operations, and communication systems.

– Guest-Facing Technology: Full integration of passenger systems, including bookings, reservations, entertainment, food and beverage management, and onboard activities.

SmartSea’s efforts have focused heavily on ensuring that all systems, ranging from navigation and communication (NAVCOM) to crew management and guest-facing services, can operate seamlessly across the ship. This integration is essential for delivering an exceptional guest experience, with passengers able to effortlessly access entertainment, Wi-Fi, telephony, and other onboard services.

In addition to its technical expertise, SmartSea has played a critical role in vendor selection and procurement, carefully choosing partners to provide cutting-edge technology solutions. Under the guidance of SmartSea and in collaboration with Columbia blue, which manages the ship’s operations, this project has seen meticulous planning, budget management, legal reviews, and risk assessments.

Bilal Hussain, IT & Digitalisation Executive Director at Cruise Saudi, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) company which owns Aroya Cruises, commented: “Aroya is a pioneering, first-of-its-kind product and as such, we wanted to ensure an incredibly high standard across all elements of the operation. Partnering with SmartSea has enabled us to create a seamless experience behind the scenes, allowing our valuable guests to enjoy efficient Wi-Fi, easy on-board activity bookings and more. From its advanced technology to world-class facilities and impeccable on board hospitality, Aroya is setting the new standard in the global cruise industry.”

"We are proud to continue our collaboration with Cruise Saudi and Columbia blue to bring the vision of Aroya to life," added Julian Panter, CEO of SmartSea. "The combination of cultural heritage, cutting-edge technology, and luxurious experiences will make Aroya a beacon of innovation in the cruise industry."

SmartSea remains committed to providing ongoing operational support. This includes 24/7 help desk services and continued oversight of the IT ecosystem as the ship is now fully operational.

With Aroya poised to offer passengers an unrivalled, culturally rich cruise experience, the cruise ship of the future represents a key moment for Saudi Arabia’s growing cruise industry and is a testament to the nation’s ambition to redefine global luxury travel.