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Bolidt makes Japanese decking debut with NYK Cruises breakthrough order

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 07 February 2024 07 February 2024

Bolidt has secured its first order to supply and install decking and flooring for the Japanese cruise and ferry market, after a breakthrough order covering the NYK Cruises ship Asuka III.

Currently under construction at Meyer Werft’s shipyard in Papenburg, Germany and due delivery in Q2 2025, the 229-metre length Asuka III was among the first cruise ships ordered following the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Accommodating up to 744 guests, the luxury ship will run on liquefied natural gas and feature optimised hydrodynamics for its planned Asian routes.

With its homeport in Yokohama, Japan, the luxury ship is being tailored to the preferences of Japanese travellers.

In 2023, representatives from NYK Cruises, SMC Design and shipbuilder Meyer Werft visited Bolidt headquarters to create the colour palette for onboard areas – with special attention given to the sports courts. Working in collaboration, a selection of new colours was developed to achieve a perfect match. Subsequently, Bolidt secured a contract covering an extensive scope of supply for Asuka III, including the Bolideck systems Future Teak, Select Hard, and Select Soft.

“Although we have previously worked with East Asian operators such as Genting Hong Kong, Japan is a new market for us, and as such, it presents new opportunities,” said Jacco van Overbeek, Director Maritime, Bolidt. “Bolideck systems – in particular Future Teak – are the ideal choice for modern, environmentally friendly vessels like Asuka III, and we are delighted to be collaborating with NYK Cruises on this exciting project.”

Bolideck Future Teak – a lightweight, hardwearing, and cost-effective alternative to real teak – will be used extensively over seven decks, featuring in gangways, in lifts and stair lobbies, and on the balconies of decks 7–11. Launched in 2005, it has become a fixture across the cruise and ferry segments, offering the luxurious look and feel of teak without the environmental impact.

Bolideck Select Hard, and Select Soft, meanwhile, will feature on Asuka III’s boat deck on deck-7, and on the deck-12 sundeck with sports court, and outdoor crew area including basketball court. All areas will benefit from the anti-skid properties and UV resistance of both products.

World Maritime Forum gathers in Copenhagen on February 27th

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 07 February 2024 07 February 2024

The maritime world eagerly anticipates the upcoming World Maritime Forum scheduled for February 27th and 28th, 2024, in the vibrant city of Copenhagen. This global event promises to be a pivotal moment for the industry, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to chart the course for a sustainable and resilient maritime future.

With sustainability at the forefront, the forum is poised to address pressing issues such as decarbonization and eco-friendly practices in shipping. Participants will engage in conversations about alternative fuels, energy-efficient ship designs, and the latest developments in adherence to stricter environmental regulations. The spotlight on sustainability aligns with the global imperative to reduce carbon emissions, making this forum a key platform for shaping the industry's green future.

Anticipated discussions will also explore the latest advancements in digitalization, automation, and artificial intelligence, and how these technologies can enhance safety, streamline operations, and minimize environmental impact.

As the maritime sector grapples with complex challenges, the forum aims to inspire collaboration and partnership among stakeholders. Networking sessions and collaborative workshops will provide opportunities for industry professionals to forge alliances, share insights, and explore innovative solutions. The collective wisdom and shared experiences during the event are expected to catalyze transformative initiatives and propel the industry forward.

In the wake of this eagerly awaited event, the industry braces for a transformative experience that goes beyond the confines of conventional conferences. The World Maritime Forum in 2024 is poised to be a catalyst for change, propelling the industry towards uncharted horizons where sustainability, innovation, and collaboration intertwine to shape a future that is both dynamic and promising.

World Maritime Forum

Dates: February 27-28, 2024

Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Venue: AC Bella Sky Convention Center

Organizer: IGGS Group

Website: https://worldmaritime-forum.com/

Woolpert acquires Bermello Ajamil & Partners

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 25 January 2024 25 January 2024

Woolpert has acquired Bermello Ajamil & Partners (BA), a full-service architecture, engineering, planning, and landscape architecture firm that specializes in services for the maritime, aviation, health care, commercial, and municipal markets. Among the largest AE firms in South Florida, BA has more than 160 staff members, is headquartered in Miami, has additional offices throughout Florida, and has an office in New York.

BA has grown through a 30-year partnership between Chairman of the Board and Principal in Charge Willy Bermello, a leading architect in South Florida, and President and CEO Luis Ajamil, a planner and professional engineer known for his expertise in the maritime industry. Bermello and Ajamil came together through a shared goal to meet client needs by integrating innovative design and technologies to produce functional, intelligent, and sustainable solutions. This partnership has yielded more than 200 awards for design excellence and project wins across six continents.

BA is known internationally for the planning and design of cruise line and port terminals. The combination of Woolpert and BA creates an ecosystem of integrated maritime solutions that leverages architecture, marine engineering, modeling, strategic consulting, and geospatial services. These include acquiring topographic, bathymetric, and hydrographic data and imagery along coastlines and the near-shore environment.

Bermello said BA chose to join Woolpert to deepen its AE services and to successfully tap into new and adjacent industries with Woolpert’s geospatial and strategic consulting capabilities.

“Woolpert provides BA with the opportunity to expand and integrate technologies across markets, accelerate our growth in geospatial technologies and artificial intelligence, increase our geographic footprint, and enrich what our talented staff can provide our clients,” Bermello said. “Together with Woolpert, we will be able to develop and deliver comprehensive and potentially trailblazing services to coastal zones worldwide. Additionally, the combination will allow us to accelerate the growth of our aviation, health care, commercial, and municipal markets.”

Woolpert Vice President and Buildings Sector Leader Suzette Stoler said this merger enhances Woolpert’s ability to provide full architecture, engineering, and interior design services with an emphasis on strengthening design capabilities and expertise across a multitude of markets servicing both private industry and public development.

“BA is a progressive and high-performing firm that embodies our core values,” Stoler said. “Gaining bench strength and adding geospatial solutions to their architecture, engineering, and interior design capabilities will expand our collective ability to advance the built environment—whether we’re talking about ports and airports, health care facilities, educational facilities, municipal parks, hotels, etc. This combination makes us all stronger.”

Neil Churman, Woolpert chief corporate development officer, said he looks forward to working with this outstanding new team of architects and engineers.

“Willy and Luis have built BA with the same philosophy as Woolpert: To create a culture that is rooted in deep industry leadership and is continually motivated to drive innovation to benefit each client and the industry as a whole,” Churman said. “We are very excited to welcome BA into our Woolpert family.”

Toyota’s Woven Capital invests in Corvus Energy to expand zero-emissions energy and international reach for maritime industry

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 19 January 2024 19 January 2024

Corvus Energy, the world leader in zero-emissions energy solutions for maritime, offshore and port applications, announced today it has secured an investment from Woven Capital, Toyota’s growth fund, to accelerate the development of its growing product portfolio in battery storage and hydrogen fuel cells, and to support expansion into new geographies. Woven Capital invests alongside leading strategic investors including BW Group, Equinor Ventures, Hydro and Shell Ventures.

“Hydrogen is a fast-growing sector with established applications in many industries and is playing a pivotal part in decarbonizing shipping, energy, transportation and heavy industry,” said Nicole LeBlanc, partner at Woven Capital. “With major maritime players embracing clean energy commitments and technologies, the market is growing rapidly. Our investment and strategic support are well-positioned to help Corvus expand its reach and solutions to continue leading the zero-emission maritime market.”

“We are very excited about this strategic investment from Woven Capital, which validates our leading position in a fast-growing market,” said CFO of Corvus Energy, Mette Rokne Hanestad. “Woven Capital and Toyota will bring valuable expertise from green mobility, in both fuel cells and batteries. With new key partners, we are strengthening our Asian presence which will be one of the most important markets going forward. Having strong and active owners will continue to be important for our future success. Woven Capital makes the shareholder group even stronger.”

Corvus and Toyota have collaborated since 2021 to develop safer and more advanced marine fuel cell systems in the industry. Corvus has engaged in more than 1000 projects so far, and more than 50 percent of the world’s vessels with zero-emission technology now run on Corvus systems. This investment will provide Corvus with even fuller access to Toyota’s cutting-edge expertise in both fuel cells and battery technology, strengthening Corvus’s ability to bring innovations to a rapidly evolving industry.