Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2021

1 5 3 The Watering Hole onboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras is just one of many decorative signs Marahrens has designed for cruise ships information and collaborate effectively,” explains Hashagen. “For example, we created 3D virtual models of our signs so our clients could view them from every angle. We also launched an app to digitise the project handover process and used video calls to assist clients remotely.” While Hashagen acknowledges that some digitised processes have boosted Marahrens’ productivity and efficiency, he plans to take a hybrid approach to operations in future. “Digital technologies are great for some things, but sometimes it’s better to do things the traditional way,” he says. Reorganising the business for the post- pandemic world is a key priority. “We want to offer the types of products, processes and services that will fulfill our clients’ needs and ensure we’re operating in various locations worldwide so we can easily provide local support,” says Hashagen. “We already have teams in Asia, Germany, Finland and the USA, but we want to expand our network around the globe.” Sustainability is also high on Hashagen’s agenda. “Protecting the environment should be an immediate concern for everyone and we’re making lots of small improvements to reduce our carbon footprint wherever we can,” he says. “For example, we’re reducing paper use, making our car fleet greener, and most of our packaging is now made from certified wood. Every little change makes a difference and together these incremental improvements will help us operate more sustainably.” Hashagen’s longer-term goal is to make Marahrens’ products, manufacturing methods and installation processes greener. “Until recently, we’ve been forced to make a trade-off between environmental sustainability and durability when designing and manufacturing products but now we’re able to use various recycled or natural materials,” says Hashagen. “Our safety signage, for example, can be printed on fully recycled acrylic and we’re working on signage made of a bioplastic derived from fermented plant starch. Plus, we’re evaluating the possibilities of PVC- free vinyl and other sustainable materials. “Despite the rough seas we’re in now, I’m confident that we’re looking forward to a much greener and brighter future.” CFR Pekka Vieno was promoted to business development director and part of the management team at Marahrens in 2020. He is focused on managing clients and projects in Europe and Asia. Vieno is located in Turku, Finland, underscoring Marahrens’ aim to have key decision makers based in the countries it operates in to offer the best service to clients. New faces