While the beauty of synthetic resin decking and flooring lies in endless possibilities to create new designs, the technique also enables development of surfaces which interact with cruise guest behaviour, to  influence mood and respond to expectations.

As cruise ship requirements have evolved, Bolidt has continuously integrated new patterns and features in its decking and flooring solutions, which suggests its R&D focus on the ‘responsive’ systems of the future merits special attention.

The introduction of Bolideck® Future Teak in 2005 marked a turning point for cruise ship decking, setting new standards for sustainability, light weight, and durability that have helped establish the product as the market-leading alternative to real teak. Among Future Teak’s many strengths is its ability to adapt.

Bolideck® Glow, which followed in 2017 showcased how a decking system can transcend its primary function to provide added value for the cruise operator, crew, and guests. It is a ‘glow-in-the-dark’ solution whose design can incorporate luminous signage guiding cruise passengers towards assembly points in the event of a power outage, for example.

Proactive collaboration to accelerate innovation

Where the near future is concerned, Bolidt has practical plans to enhance the cooperation between its R&D department, shipbuilders, and cruise operators. By exchanging ideas and information at an earlier stage in the collaborative process, the company will be better placed to anticipate market requirements and accelerate the development of novel solutions.

Bolidt’s most recently launched decking system, Bolideck® Future Teak Signature Premium, is the product of a collaboration between Bolidt, shipyard Chantiers de l’Atlantique, and Accor Group brand Orient Express. As a modern reinterpretation of Future Teak, the solution meets the sustainability requirements of both yard and owner while more closely resembling grade-A teak – as specified by Accor for its forthcoming sailing yacht Orient Express Corinthian.

The development of Signature Premium offers a blueprint for proactive cooperation in which Bolidt works with a ‘launching customer’ – in this case, Accor Group – to develop a tailormade product for a new era. With all parties’ expectations communicated early, the chances of a smooth implementation – and ultimately a successful entry to market – are maximised.

Sensing new opportunities

Synthetic resin decking and flooring systems are  also fully compatible with embedded light-emitting diodes, as already delivered in the shape of Bolideck® LED – integrating programmable LEDs that can switch pattern, colour palette, and even guest mood. Bolidt is now exploring the integration of sensors into Bolideck® LED, in order to develop what it describes as ‘interactive decking’ solutions.

After all, a cruise ship’s decking system is the surface with which passengers make most-frequent contact, meaning it holds significant potential as an interface between cruise owners and their guests. Use of sensor technology is the key to unlocking this potential.

In a ship’s bar or nightclub, sensors could be combined with LEDs to provide atmosphere, illuminating the decking system when guests step on to the dancefloor. In onboard shops, sensors could be used to monitor foot traffic and thereby help retailers to optimise inventory management. Implemented throughout the vessel, they can reveal which areas are prone to overcrowding and when, allowing crew to take measures to mitigate congestion.

Elsewhere, Bolidt has already developed a security system for naval vessels in which sensors installed in the floor of a restricted area send a signal to the bridge upon detecting entry. In another defence-based application, the company is testing a system designed to ensure helicopters can land safely, with sensors monitoring the vessel’s pitch and roll, and integrated LEDs glowing green when conditions allow safe landing.

Experience gained in working with defence organisations – whose requirements for safety and functionality are particularly high – mean that Bolidt is well prepared to deploy its sensor-integrated decking systems aboard cruise ships and yachts in the near future.  By incorporating technology such as LEDs, sensors, and solar cells into its products, Bolidt is realising its vision of a full-concept decking system that adapts – at the touch of a button or even autonomously – to user requirements and prevailing conditions.

What functions as a sports deck during the day could transform into a dancing space by night, with lights flashing in tune with the music and movements. Sun, lido, and promenade decks could alter their appearance and trigger temperature changes based on the weather and time of day. Flooring in spas, restaurants, casinos, children’s play areas, and other indoor venues would play a more integral part in the overall cruise experience than ever before.

Whether for the immediate term or the long-term future, Bolidt’s focus also remains on sustainability – as its current search for a launch customer to co-develop a recyclable solution for materials from an existing installation to be salvaged for deck renewal confirms.

Minimising waste is part of a wider commitment to environmental protection that has also seen Bolidt hold discussions with several start-ups over energy-harvesting decking systems. These could be capable of capturing enough solar energy to power a yacht for a short period or to control the temperature on a cruise ship deck, for instance.

The proposal wholly aligns with Bolidt’s concept of the decking system of the future as comparable to a living, breathing thing: an interactive ‘organism’ that responds to its environment and influences mood, generates atmosphere, and is part of the cruise guest experience.