Cruise & Ferry Interiors 2021

5 3 Solving fire safety challenges “Since starting my career in shipbuilding in 2004, performing fire tests on fire-resistant glass, I have always been able to find solutions to safety challenges. When talking to naval architects and designers, very often fire safety is seen as an inhibitor that introduces a whole set of rules that restrict creativity, design and building freedom onboard ships. My advice is to involve specialists, suppliers and manufacturers of fire safety materials at an early stage because so many solutions can arise. Shipowners should not let themselves feel deterred by fire safety constraints, but rather seek out expert knowledge in the supplier community to help them rethink the possibilities.” Photo: Mike Louagie, @Louagie The value of quality craftspeople “A master upholster or flooring installer will produce a noticeable high-quality product and provide consistent perfection – whether they are upholstering one chair or 1,000, or installing one metre of flooring or 1,000. Attention to detail is the hallmark of a master craftsperson and it is apparent when you look closely at stitching, seams, the quality of the materials and more. Consequently, when choosing which company to carry out reupholstery and carpet work, the most important question for shipowners to ask is whether they have the experience, sophistication and resources to complete the job. The shipowner should request references, talk to previous customers and ask about their history of completing complex jobs on time and on budget.” Anna Jenei, CEO of Global Marine & Hotel Interiors Ruben Wansink, European Manager at STI Marine