Eco-friendly interiors boost life-cycle benefits – Mike Corrigan, CEO, Interferry Ferry operators have long been acknowledged as leaders driving the shipping industry’s sustainability initiatives, notably through the implementation of hybrid and fully electric propulsion systems to reduce GHG emissions. But these technical advances can be mirrored in many other areas of ship design. Marine interiors are a perfect example of the varied opportunities that shipowners and designers are embracing like never before to further enhance sustainability – as illustrated by a responsible cabin design presentation at Interferry’s 45th annual conference in Santander, Spain, in October 2021. Here, Anders Ørgård, chief commercial officer of OSK Group, Denmark’s renowned naval architecture, interiors and maritime consultancy, told delegates about the development of a groundbreaking environmental performance system that offers ISO-validated calculations, optimisation and documentation for the life-cycle emissions of maritime products, designs and processes. In relation to green cabins, Ørgård said the system had revealed remarkable reductions in carbon dioxide emissions when, for instance, carpets contained more polyester than wool or when ceiling panels were steel rather than aluminium. Referring to a cruise-ferry under construction for Italian operator Moby Lines, Ørgård also disclosed that selecting cushion-backed wooden chairs instead of fully upholstered units would reduce lifetime carbon dioxide emissions by the equivalent of 850 tons of fuel. It is now clearer than ever that owners can make a significant difference by applying life-cycle thinking to select alternative materials. In doing so, they will be endorsing the circular economy and circular design principles, which tackle climate change by the design-based elimination of pollution. That’s not only good for the planet, it’s also good for business. Environmental concerns are fast becoming the norm among customers, so they are increasingly likely to support those companies that strive to reduce emissions. 73
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