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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.

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.

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.

Telenor Maritime and Quvia collaborate to advance AI-driven connectivity in cruise and ferry sectors

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 04 April 2025 04 April 2025

Telenor Maritime and Quvia, an AI-powered QoE platform, are collaborating to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to optimize Telenor’s backhaul performance and enhance digital experiences for passengers and crew across the maritime industry.

As part of the initiative, the two companies will launch a Proof of Concept on Telenor Maritime’s Connectivity Platform. The project will incorporate Quvia’s AI-powered network management solution, Grid, to enable intelligent orchestration across Telenor’s hybrid network and support more cost-efficient bandwidth usage – while maintaining a high quality of experience (QoE) for passengers and crew.

“We believe AI can play a key role in enhancing the performance and cost-efficiency of our connectivity services,” says Kjetil Kjelstadli, Chief Product Officer at Telenor Maritime. “Through this collaboration with Quvia, we aim to bring measurable value to cruise and ferry operators as well as their passengers.”

“AI is helping solve some of the toughest connectivity challenges in the cruise and ferry markets,” said Benny Retnamony, founder & CEO at Quvia. “We’re working with Telenor Maritime to bring AI to the forefront – driving greater efficiency and better digital experiences for customers, passengers and crew, while laying the groundwork for smarter, more adaptive networks at sea.”

This initiative supports Telenor Maritime’s strategy to expand the capabilities of its Connectivity Platform and strengthen its offering in the cruise and ferry segments – and aligns with Quvia’s mission to transform connectivity and digital experiences across the maritime industry, with a focus on delivering value to customers and the people who rely on their services.

Ambassador first cruise line to install Zelim's MOB detection and tracking system

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

Zelim’s intelligent detection system, ZOE, is to be installed aboard Ambassador Cruise Lines’ 48,123-gross-ton cruise ship Ambition, marking the first operational reference for the revolutionary technology in the global cruise ship sector.

The Edinburgh-based maritime safety and security technology pioneer is fitting out the 1,200-passenger capacity cruise ship with a full ZOE installation to deliver instantaneous detection and tracking of persons in the water following man overboard (MOB) incidents.

The installation – comprising multiple infrared and daylight cameras, sensors and software to provide crews with 360° visibility – dramatically increases the likelihood of both spotting and recovering an MOB.

Ambassador Cruise Lines’ COO Nick Hughes said: “With the safety of our passengers and crews our foremost concern we were keen to put ZOE onboard. ZOE gives our passengers and crew piece of mind that in the rare event of a MOB incident bridge teams are immediately alerted to a person falling overboard, with the person tracked until rescued. It allows us to direct an immediate and rapid rescue response. What we also like about the system is that it can be used to alert our watchkeepers to hard-to-see navigational hazards.”

Stewart Gregory, Zelim’s Chief Operating Officer said: “The decision by Ambassador Cruise Lines to install ZOE is an important milestone in maritime safety. Ambition shows the passenger ship sector there is now proven technology available that mitigates the risk of losing lives to MOB incidents, especially in rough seas and in hours of darkness.”

This is particularly important for the cruise sector since the US Vessel Security and Safety Act (2010) requires passenger vessels “to integrate technology that can be used for detecting passengers who have fallen overboard”. With advances in AI technology this is now possible.

“Man overboard detection is an emergent technology, but most existing solutions focus solely on detecting the fall, not on tracking the person in the water. Without continuous tracking, a drifting casualty can be quickly lost from view as the vessel moves, making a successful rescue far more challenging,” said Doug Lothian, Zelim’s CTO.

“One of the biggest challenges following an incident is determining exactly when and where a person entered the water. ZOE’s AI-powered detection models not only identify and classify a person as they fall, automatically alerting the bridge, but continuously tracks them as they drift. It provides precise geo-location data, enabling bridge teams to coordinate and accelerate the rescue effort with greater accuracy.”

ZOE has been undergoing independent testing aboard the Ambition to meet the ISO 21195 standard for the detection of persons falling overboard. The technology also recently passed Lloyd’s Register Phase I & II type approval tests with a 98% MOB detection rate.

“First and second phase trials have been a huge success and LR will now move ahead with Phase III of the certification process,” said Stewart Gregory. “This delivers further confidence to cruise lines that ZOE reduces the risk of persons falling overboard going undetected and lost at sea. ZOE represents the single greatest technological advancement to reducing lives lost to man overboard incidents.”

While MOB detection and tracking are ZOE’s primary focus, Ambassador Cruise Lines’ decision to install additional forward-facing cameras points to the technology’s wider multi-functional capabilities.

“ZOE’s advanced cameras and sensors also identify navigational hazards such as semi-submerged objects, vessels of all sizes, and low radar cross-section threats that pose risks to safety and ship security. This enhances overall situational awareness for watchkeepers and bridge teams,” said Lothian.

Zelim will be showcasing ZOE and other safety solutions this month at the Seatrade Global Cruise event, which takes place at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Florida, between the 7th and 10th of April. Zelim representatives will be demonstrating the technology on Booth 3543.