Bolidt, has launched a unique and ‘world-first’ glow-in-the-dark decking solution for the cruise industry whose luminosity by night harvests solar energy stored during the day.
The decking and flooring specialist has released Bolideck® Glow to coincide with Seatrade Cruise Global – 2017, the largest cruise event on the shipping industry calendar. The new solution, launched following a two-year research and development project at Bolidt’s Henrik Ido Ambacht innovation center, can be integrated with the Bolideck® Select and Bolideck® Future Teak decking systems that are already used extensively on cruise ships worldwide.
Jacco Van Overbeek, Director, Maritime Division, Bolidt, explains: “We are the first company in the world to develop a luminous decking material for the cruise industry. Bolideck® Glow is another example of the way Bolidt allows ship designers greater scope to create exciting new concepts that can be installed within any pattern they have in mind. Now, they can extend their thinking to take in the effects luminous flooring can create in the dark.”
As well as being eye catching and aesthetically striking, Bolideck® Glow offers energy efficiency savings by reducing lighting requirements. When used outside, it can also harvest energy, storing solar energy generated by day that can be converted into exterior lighting at night. It could also bring safety benefits, Bolidt points out, by illuminating escape routes and signage, as the luminous material ensures decking areas remain highly visible in the dark.
Already, a contract for Bolideck® Glow has been placed by Royal Caribbean International for some of its newest vessels. RCI will fit the material on both Harmony of the Seas before the end of 2017, plus on the fourth ship in the Oasis class – likely to be named Symphony of the Seas and due for delivery in Spring 2018 from STX France. In both cases, the product will be installed in a 350m2 area to add the ‘wow’ factor for cruisers at the top of the 10-deck ‘Ultimate Abyss’ slide, which will also be used in the dark.
“RCI’s request for a glow in the dark material has coincided with our development of Bolideck® Glow,” adds Van Overbeek. “This demonstrates how our long-term customers look to us for new decking solutions, while our continuous development program means we are ready to respond. It’s perfect timing, and highlights how we can help designers to convert the wishes of owners into new concepts and innovative features.”
The new luminous decking product is suitable for use in numerous areas onboard cruise ships, including jogging tracks and as signage, as well as around key features and attractions to ensure they make maximum impact. Bolidt points out that Bolideck® Glow can also be poured into the extraordinary variety of shapes and designs used for Bolideck® Future Teak and many other systems available from the company.
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