Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2021

1 5 6 M anually opening and closing a single blind or a pair of curtains every day is quick and easy, but it soon becomes a time-consuming and painstaking task for crew members onboard passenger ships, which often have hundreds of windows. That’s why passenger ship operators are transitioning to motorised blinds and curtains that can be controlled via a wall switch, handheld device, or smartphone application. By simply clicking a button, crew can rapidly lift or lower multiple motorised window coverings within seconds, saving time and freeing them up to complete more important tasks. Moving multiple window coverings simultaneously also allows crew to ensure that they open the blinds and curtains to the same degree, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the space. Motorised window coverings offer several other benefits. They are easy to maintain because there are no small components, sidewinder chains or cords that can be broken, damaged, or lost. Passengers are also less likely to touch them, which increases their longevity and improves onboard safety, particularly for children. Solarglide produces a range of motorised roman blinds and curtains, all of which have been specifically designed and manufactured for maritime environments with fabrics and materials that have been certified by the International Maritime Organization. Each product is carefully crafted to ensure that it is aesthetically pleasing, durable, resistant to mould and moisture, offers virus protection, and more. Experts at Solarglide collaborate closely with clients to offer a turnkey service that includes carrying out onboard surveys, advising on suitable fabrics and mechanisms, and sourcing marine-grade fabrics and materials from our extensive partner network to tailor our products to their requirements. We also make all our products in-house, allowing us to control production times and manufacture expansive roman blinds with large motorised rails that are difficult to source on the open market. Similarly, we can manufacture robust motorised curtain tracks for the deep, heavy curtains used in bars and restaurants. All the window coverings use Somfy motors, which are quiet, easy to install and maintain, and have a five-year warranty. They can be installed in a short timeframe by our team. Now that the technology is more affordable and accessible than ever, it’s clear that motorisation is the future for marine window coverings and Solarglide is here to help shipowners reap the benefits. CFR Paul Pringle is managing director of Solarglide V IEWPOINT The move to motorisation Solarglide’s full turnkey service makes it easy for shipowners to capitalise on the multiple benefits of installing motorised blinds and curtains onboard their vessels By Paul Pringle, Solarglide