Vard Electro has delivered a new bridge design for ‘Mein Schiff Relax’, the first of two new dual-fuel powered InTUItion-class cruise ships, built and delivered by Fincantieri for TUI Cruises, a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises.
This is the first SeaQ integrated bridge delivered to a cruise vessel and marks the entry into a new market segment for Vard Electro, as a supplier of maritime electronics.
Being part of the Fincantieri Group was instrumental in the company’s contract in this segment.
SeaQ was further developed to meet the specific needs and challenges of cruise ships through a four-year process of collaboration with TUI Cruises.
This represented a significant leap in terms of digital integration of shipboard systems to enhance operational efficiency, the company claimed.
“The SeaQ Integrated Bridge is an advanced solution that gives operators a new perspective and new way of viewing their systems,” said Gisle Anderssen, Vard Electro’s Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing.
“By working directly with TUI Cruises from day one, we have been able to gain first-hand insight into their challenges, allowing us to create flexible solutions with tailored bridge equipment that can effectively meet their requirements,” she said.
SeaQ integrates all of the bridge systems into an operational loop – without the need for system modifications – to ensure optimal efficiency and control in a minimalistic yet highly functional bridge design with a focus on ergonomics and safety.
This allows access to all of the connected systems whether on the main bridge, safety command centre, bridge wing or in the engine control room.
“It is the first time that I have been able to access every system from a single workstation. This represents a significant improvement on conventional bridge systems, with a tremendously enhanced and highly streamlined working environment that sets a new standard for the cruise sector,” said ‘Mein Schiff Relax’s’ Master, Tom Roth.
Vard Electro has thus far undertaken 50 deliveries of the integrated bridge system across different vessel segments over many years.
“Delivering the first SeaQ integrated bridge for cruise is an important milestone for Vard Electro. By taking our digital SeaQ technology into the cruise world, we are stepping up to a market with much larger vessels and more complex systems – and we believe this is only the first of many deliveries to this segment,” Anderssen concluded.
The SeaQ portfolio includes a wide range of products and solutions that go beyond the delivery on board ‘Mein Schiff Relax’.
It is a portfolio of technologies with a strong focus on digitalisation and smart integration across key areas, such as power solutions, automation systems, bridge and navigation, communication, and autonomous technology.
The naming ceremony for ’Mein Schiff Relax’ was due to take place in Málaga on 9th April, joined by ’Mein Schiff 5’ and ’Mein Schiff 7’.
