Cruise & Ferry Review - Spring/Summer 2021

1 4 4 Solarglide’s team designs and manufactures blinds and other window dressings at its factory in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in England INTERV IEW Seizing a window of opportunity Rebecca Gibson asks Paul Pringle how Solarglide is planning to become the preferred supplier of window coverings for the passenger shipping industry “Solarglide’s headquarters showcase the maritime world and we’re a creative bunch, so our two Rodnik Shark Fin Chairs created by Philip Colber are a great addition. They’re fun, quirky and all our visitors comment on them!” Design note: C ruise ships and ferries often have hundreds, if not thousands, of windows to provide passengers with panoramic views and enable crew members to navigate the vessel safely. Dressing these windows appropriately can be challenging, but that’s where UK-based window treatment solutions manufacturer Solarglide can help. “Some of our products include SG Glider Solar Screens, which are popular for bridge windows and passenger areas on ferries, and SG Silhouette dimout roller blinds which are often used in private areas,” says Paul Pringle, managing director of Solarglide. “In the past year, there’s been a major increase in requests for our SG Curtains and Sheers because we have a vast range of International Maritime Organization-approved fabrics to complement onboard interiors.” Designed to offer longevity and reduce maintenance costs, Solarglides products are made from antimicrobial fabrics and are available with a choice of operating systems. They also help to enhance the onboard experience. “Our products reduce heat and glare, offer privacy and help create a comfortable setting,” says Pringle. “They are aesthetically pleasing and can be colour-coded to match an existing interior design or a corporate brand identity. In this way, they can help to make passengers and crew feel at home.” This extensive product portfolio, combined with Solarglide’s skills and industry experience, make it an ideal partner for operators that want to invest in window treatment solutions for their ships. “We’re fully focused on the maritime industry, so we understand how it works and we’re familiar with the problems fit-out teams have, the extremely tight deadlines and the needs of different types of vessels,” says Pringle. “In the past, cruise and ferry operators had to