Norwegian's first China-bound ship features world’s first full-scale shipboard racetrack
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Dutch decking specialist Bolidt has fitted its Bolideck Racetrack flooring on the world’s first full-scale shipboard racetrack onboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Norwegian Joy.
Designed by German karting technology specialist RiMO Supply, the new go kart track is 230 metres long and is located on Norwegian Joy’s two upper decks. It features a viewing platform, covered pit lane, workshop, storage room, timing system and floodlights.
The track has been covered with Bolideck Racetrack, a synthetic slip-resistant material that has previously been used for roads, car parks and bridges.
“The product is ideal for this application – it is durable, and slip resistant enough for safety purposes, but not so non-slip as to take the thrill out of racing,” said Jacco van Overbeek, director of Bolidt’s Maritime Division. “RiMO came to our test facilities in the Netherlands to evaluate our wearing courses with their karts. Through this collaboration, we were able to develop the optimum grip on the flooring system for the race track. The look and feel of the material needs to be authentic, and the end result is both functional and attractive.”
RiMO also supplied the electrically powered race karts that will use special technology to ensure they work well with high levels of UV and saltwater exposure. A total of 20 karts will be able to race around the track at any one time.
“We are very proud to have been involved in such a ground-breaking project and to have developed the first kart track onboard a ship,” said Peter Bertram, owner and chief executive of RiMO Germany Group. “Bolidt’s assistance and expertise in supplying marine decking materials was invaluable and I would like to thank them for their cooperation which ensured that we reached our goal in delivering this unique track in an efficient and uncomplicated way.”
Norwegian Joy is Norwegian’s first cruise ship that has been purpose-built for China. The 167,800gt vessel left Meyer Werft’s shipyard in Papenburg, Germany on 26 March and will be officially handed over to Norwegian at the end of April.
Following her delivery, the 4,200-guest Norwegian Joy will head to her new homeports in Shanghai and Tianjin, China.