Seatrade Cruise Global: key updates from the final day

With the latest set of approvals in the bag, Viking Life-Saving Equipment revealed that it is a giant step closer to taking orders for its LifeCraft evacuation system on the fifth day of Seatrade Cruise Global (SCG). Having successfully navigated a route through Solas III, regulation 38 with an A520 (13) novel clause, it has just one last regulatory hurdle to overcome. LifeCraft takes only 25% of the space required by traditional lifeboats meaning that the system benefits are best realised in a newbuild, suggesting a first delivery might be possible in 2021. Life boats are typically housed in prime real estate between decks 6 and 8 and it will be interesting to see how the first ship makes alternative use of this space.

Cruise lines that have committed to LNG will have been cheered by the release of the Life Cycle GHG Emission Study at SCG. The SEA\LNG-SGMF report found that greenhouse gas emission reductions of up to 21% can be achieved through using LNG over oil-based alternatives. While the merits of LNG over marine oil products are well known, a well-researched percentage that is higher than many have predicted will be another compelling statistic for companies that may yet be undecided.

There was a buzz about the show as delegates reacted positively to the news that TUI Cruises is set to join the river cruise business. The company has bought three ships and you can follow its journey here at cruiseandferry.net as more information is released.

Thursday provided me with odd rare and rushed opportunities to spend a few moments on the exhibition floor. Vero has made water a hot commodity with a smart proposition that will contribute to removing single-use plastic bottles onboard. The company’s five-stage purification process delivers a sharp, clean taste (small wonder that Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises have been quick to dive in).

I also caught up with marine glass bonding technology specialist Brombach + Gess, which is differentiating itself in the cruise industry. It’s the ingenuity of its fixtures and fittings that gives the company an edge, encouraged perhaps by the designers and architects that are ramping up the use of glass on so many newbuild projects. Meanwhile, the team at Rope Courses Incorporated told me how it is building on its recent successes onboard by seeking to extend its business into port spaces. Its land-based adventure installations are ideally suited to cruise line island destinations and the company makes a good case through evidence of strong revenue performance and an associated increase in food and beverage sales.

Speaking to power and automation technology provider ABB, it was clear to see that it has a strong position in the market – something that makes its frequent success stories come as no surprise. But the company’s track record in the blossoming expedition market was still celebrated here in Miami with the announcement that it has secured a power and propulsion deal for Seabourn’s two debut expedition ships. Prudence is the virtue that is also supporting Aerte’s drive to win cruise business with a neat air disinfection system. The Swedish company’s award-winning pedigree and land-based success stories make it a strong contender for marine projects.

Read ICFR's highlights from the first, second, third and fourth days of SCG.