[ 53 ] the complete interior design package. Save for a few of dSign Vertti Kivi & Co’s original design elements such as certain types of catalogue chairs and pendant lights, OSK Design somehow took it to the next level. It started with a blank sheet of paper as a great deal of input came from the P&O Ferries’ Ship of the Future newbuilding team. OSK Design was equally responsible for all the renderings with the detailed interior design in the hands of North Sea Offshore Technology (NSO), the Ship of the Future’s Yantai-headquartered turnkey interior contractor. One of the reasons to have NSO actively involved in the design process was related to the challenging COVID-19 situation which made on-site supervision by the Danish interior architects of OSK Design impossible. DURABLE, LOW-MAINTENANCE MATERIALS As the Ship of the Future Fusion-class is here to stay for at least 25 years, OSK Design deliberately chose a timeless yet cosy design that meets contemporary simplicity. Performing over 3,500 single crossings per year, ferries on the Dover–Calais route are exposed to hard wear and tear so it was paramount to choose robust and durable materials. All of the ship’s heavy foot traffic areas have highly durable vinyl flooring rather than carpet. Supplied by both Gerflor and ArmstrongFlooring, the vinyl floors with wood and tile effects, but also fashionable carpet look, are hardly distinguishable from real wood, tile and carpet-covered floors. On the Spirit-class, solid wood was used for the outdoor furniture. Continuously exposed to the elements, solid wood requires almost permanent maintenance. The Fusion-class’ vast open deck spaces are covered with Herculan Marine EcoTeak’s easy to maintain seamless flooring, an environmentally friendly alternative to genuine teak flooring. These well-protected, glass-screened open decks are a welcome change from earlier crossChannel ferry generations with ample fixed low-maintenance lightweight seating and furniture made of epoxy-coated stainless steel and aluminium. Importantly, the decision was reached to ensure that all outside furniture remains maintenance-free throughout its life, only requiring an occasional wash and rinse. As port stays are typically very short, all public spaces have been designed with easy and quick cleaning in mind. For instance, all swivel chairs self-move back into position, “ Performing over 3,500 single crossings per year, ferries on the Dover–Calais route are exposed to hard wear and tear so it was paramount to choose robust and durable materials” SHIPBUILDING
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