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GerrisBoats presents its project for sustainable maritime transport

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 21 July 2023 21 July 2023

On Friday 14th, at the Grande Albergo hotel in Sestri Levante, the presentation of the "Gerris Water Mobility" project was held by Massimo Verme, co-founder of the startup GerrisBoats.

Founded in 2021, the startup GerrisBoats has patented a modular hull platform with high efficiency and sustainability, responding to the needs of reducing consumption and environmental noise and wave generation pollution, with a strong positive impact on energy saving, usability and passenger comfort.

The meeting "Gerris Smart Mobility: A jump into a sustainable future" was an opportunity to present the history and evolution of this innovative idea, from its origins to the latest developments that brought it to the attention of companies and public and private institutions for the creation of a new generation of sustainable boats for public service and pleasure boating.

Two applications of the project were illustrated during the event: the first for "Smart Water Mobility", a "point-to-point" transport with water taxis characterized by an "Uber-like" calling system; the second for a new generation of passenger ferries for local public transport on the "Gerris" platform with software systems for "Smart Ticketing" that can facilitate and speed up ticketing.

The GerrisYacht was also launched, developed on the same L platform as the GerrsFerry, scalable in size up to over 40 meters.

In the "low – zero – emissions" boat market, which, according to studies, will grow exponentially in the coming years, GerrisBoats presents a solution that does not limit itself to electrifying existing hulls or foiling, but proposes a paradigm shift in nautical design and construction, based on a standardized technical platform and created specifically for electric or hydrogen propulsion.

"For a seaside city like Genoa, so particular from the point of view of urban and morphological conformation, it is very important to invest in Smart Mobility and in particular in the "water" dimension as a valid alternative to public and private road transport - declares the commissioner to the mobility and transport of the Municipality of Genoa Matteo Campora – Today, thanks to the research and innovative vision of forward-looking Ligurian companies such as Gerris Boats, green and modern boats are seeing the light of day for truly sustainable maritime transport. In this sense, the "Gerris Water Mobility" project arouses great interest and can give a decisive impulse to the creation of an environmentally efficient passenger shuttle service on water and accessibility for disabled people. Electricity and hydrogen are the future of Genoese public transport, as demonstrated by the large 4-axle project which by 2025 will lead to the complete replacement of all internal combustion engine buses with new electrified vehicles. A philosophical and practical turning point that will improve the public transport service for Genoese and tourists, which we would like to support with the renewal and expansion of the Navebus linking the Porto Antico and Pegli, of great use for commuters as well as for tourists". .

"Two years after the birth of our innovative startup - comments Massimo Verme co-founder of the startup GerrisBoats - with this event we wanted to share our development path with technicians, managers and administrators of private companies and institutions. We were very pleased by the attention reserved for us by the Ligurian and Navigazione Laghi Administrations, in incorporating the contents of sustainability, technical innovation and accessibility that our project can offer.We have several contacts in Italy and abroad who are showing interest and who have begun to support us, such as for example the Scottish St.Andrews University.Our research and development phase was supported by the first Italian shipyard, Azimut|Benetti, by the University of Genoa and by other excellences; we would be very proud to be able to give birth and put into service the first of a long series of these high-tech boats right in our city". Furthermore we are also committed to the development of the GerrisYacht, we have already received expressions of interest from private shipowners"

Marioff extends its BluEdge Elite service agreement with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 14 July 2023 14 July 2023

Marioff has extended its BluEdge service agreement with Norwegian Cruise Lines Holdings (NCLH) to provide preventive maintenance services for its Marioff HI-FOG water mist fire protection systems currently aboard 15 cruise ships in its fleet, including ships from Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Marioff, a leading developer of water mist fire protection technology, is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions.

The extended BluEdge Elite Service agreement is valid through 2027 and provides added confidence and peace of mind for NCHL through the five-year preventive maintenance program. The agreement also covers the delivery of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) spare parts, 24/7 on-call emergency support and crew training. This service agreement strengthens Marioff and NCLH’s collaboration toward a common goal of prioritizing the safety of passengers and crew.

“It is a great honor that NCLH entrusted Marioff and the BluEdge Elite service agreement to help ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and the assets of the company. We are equally excited that our relationship of over 20 years with NCLH is continuing,” said Kaius Kovanen, Director, Marioff Marine Business Unit.

The service agreement provides the HI-FOG system with lifecycle services, which has enabled NCLH to predict and optimize maintenance costs while prioritizing the safety of the fleet and maximizing uptime.

YSA Design re-imagines heritage cruising for Hurtigruten's Trollfjord

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 10 July 2023 10 July 2023

Re-imagined interior spaces from YSA Design on a Hurtigruten ship are turning heads all along the Norwegian coast, after a substantial upgrade that meets expectations for future sustainability while paying homage to the owner’s 130-year heritage of stylish cruising.

In June, Trollfjord began making calls along the ‘Svalbard Express’ route that Hurtigruten sustained from 1968 to 1982 as a vital passenger and mail-boat link to the Svalbard archipelago. The first calls launch a full season of cruising that takes in the most northerly inhabited towns in the world.

In an upgrade that also features the use of sustainable power and propulsion technologies on board a ship built in 2002, the 500-guest capacity Trollfjord is “reborn for modern cruising while embodying the heritage of this iconic route”, says Fabiana Vale Dornelas, Senior Interior Architect and Head of Sustainability & Implementation, YSA Design.

YSA Design conceived, refined and project managed delivery of striking interior stylings on board the 16,140gt Trollfjord’s three main restaurants, all cabins and suites, and the conversion of the two-storey upper-deck lounge into the panoramic 1893 Bar plus sun deck area, says Vale Dornelas. In doing so, the designer sought to create ship spaces that encapsulate Norway’s past, present, and future, in a unique blend of modern Scandinavian design, nostalgic flourishes from the golden era of small-ship sailing, and heritage-led choices to incorporate the artistry of the northerly Sámi people.

“From the spatial planning of the restaurant areas, to the carefully chosen décor, the retro menus and the inspirations provided by local cultures, every detail contributes to the immersive experience, combining the charm of the past with modern sophistication,” says Vale Dornelas. Sámi traditionally manufacture articles for everyday use from raw materials available from their surroundings, she adds. This ethos is fully echoed on board Trollfjord, where hard-wearing, locally sourced natural materials such as wool, wood and stone feature prominently throughout.

The mix of modern and heritage styles runs throughout upscale suites and cabins, where YSA Design has used natural textures and warm tones to create a cosy but contemporary feel. The owner’s itinerary foresees Trollfjord engaging with communities through longer stopovers, so that guests experience the rich surrounding heritage. Vale Dornelas emphasises how “story-telling details” are reflected in cabin furnishings which feature Sámi fabric patterns and stitching techniques.

“All along, our aim has been to deliver the style and comfort the modern cruise audience expects while honouring the historic identity of the Svalbard Express to revive the ship’s essence, celebrate Sámi culture and heritage, and embody the sustainable principles of the owner,” she says.

Ship2Shore Employ lands Starboard, its first client

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 06 July 2023 06 July 2023

In an innovative new approach to boosting crew staffing throughout the cruise industry, Ship2Shore Employ, a new recruitment and developing company, has signed Starboard Cruise Services, its first client.

Barbara Cobas, Founder and CEO of Ship2Shore Employ, said, “Starboard, our inaugural client, sets an inspiring example as a leading light in the industry, showcasing their progressive and compassionate approach to hiring new talent.” Barbara added, “Lisa Bauer and her team are paving the way for diverse and innovative hiring practices within our industry and highlight the invaluable experience and knowledge of former crew." 

Ship2Shore Employ aims to change the lives of experienced crew members affected by pandemic demands on families and lifestyles by connecting them with virtual and shoreside employment opportunities in the industry. By connecting these highly skilled individuals with cruise brands, they enable these crew members to leverage their skills and expertise – even from the comfort of their own home countries.

Ship2Shore Employ's approach recognizes the importance of enabling former crew members to leverage their unique skills and expertise. By connecting these highly skilled individuals with cruise brands, Ship2Shore Employ enables them to continue making significant contributions to the industry they are passionate about, even from the comfort of their home countries. 

The first role available with Starboard is a Traveling Visual Merchandiser. This position aims to maximize merchandise presentation in Starboard’s shops onboard cruise ships through elevated visual merchandising. Former crew members can apply their expertise and creativity to help deliver an exceptional shopping experience for cruise passengers. 

Lisa Bauer, president and CEO of Starboard, said, “Our partnership with Ship2Shore Employ aligns perfectly with our purpose - to curate a vibrant world for guests, cruise line partners, brand collaborators and employees, and we are excited about the positive impact it will have on our company and industry." Lisa added, “We believe in the immense talent that lies within former crew members and we can’t wait to welcome them to our global team.” 

Support for former crew members extends beyond recruitment, as Ship2Shore Employ offers professional development services, which assist individuals in their transition from shipboard to land-based careers. These services include free weekly webinars exclusively for crew, covering various topics focused on personal and career growth, such as LinkedIn usage, interview skills, and career planning. By utilizing Ship2Shore Employ's comprehensive support system, former crew members can thrive in their professional journeys beyond their time at sea.