By
Alex Smith |
Bolidt has received several orders for its flooring and decking solutions from the cruise industry, as cruise lines plan to relaunch their operations.
“Initially, the coronavirus outbreak had an impact on our work in the cruise sector,” said Jacco van Overbeek, director of maritime for Bolidt. “But ever since the cruise lines began preparing for a new chapter, our expertise has remained in high demand. Operators in various segments of the sector and from around the world have continued to discuss projects with us, and we are working hard to support their ambitions.”
The company has recently completed projects on Marella Cruises’ Marella Discovery and Marella Explorer 2. It is currently refitting Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Norwegian Epic in Marseille, France, which will be followed by Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway in early 2021.
“In the expedition segment, we have completed the first of two orders for Lindblad Expeditions, supplying the sustainable Bolideck Future Teak for all outdoor decks,” said Van Overbeek. “Future Teak will also feature on a series of luxury polar expedition ships from Portuguese company Mystic Cruises. We supplied 2019’s World Explorer and will deliver the same system to its four sister ships, the first of which has just been delivered, and the second scheduled for completion early next year.”
Bolidt has also supplied its solutions to Sunstone Ships’ expedition Ocean Explorer, the company’s first project for a newbuild in China. It will also begin installation on Explorer’s sister ship Ocean Odyssey.
In the luxury sector, Bolidt supplied Saga’s recently delivered Spirit of Adventure with Bolideck Future Teak, Select Hard and Select Soft. The same products will be delivered for MSC Cruises’ MSC Virtuosa, as well as Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas. The company has also supplied solutions for several recently delivered vessels in Viking River Cruises’ Longships and Seine fleets, and will provide decking for two more vessels being constructed in Alexandria, Egypt.
Bolidt’s Innovation Center has remained operational throughout the pandemic, allowing cruise shipowners to visit the facility virtually to discuss newbuilds and ongoing projects.
“Our Innovation Center is a crucial part of our offering as a design enabler,” said Van Overbeek. “It allows us to work closely with clients and partners to respond to changing circumstances and prepare for incoming regulations. We felt it was important to keep the centre open and show cruise operators that we were ready to support them through the challenges posed by this new chapter.”