All articles by Amit Thadani
Amit Thadani
Artificial assistance at the helm
Buoyed by advancements in AI, automation technologies and navigation systems are becoming increasingly prevalent in shipping. Usage is minimal so far, but in the future, this technology could play a vital role in reducing the risk of cruise ship collisions. Jim Banks speaks to Tony Boylen, principal specialist in assurance of autonomy at Lloyd’s Register, and Dor Raviv, co-founder and CTO of Orca AI, about potential uses.
Clear the way
Nearly two years since the pandemic forced cruise lines to halt sailings, Carnival Cruise Line is set for a monumental restart. Jim Banks speaks to Carnival Corporation senior vice-president and chief communications officer Roger Frizzell about the challenges of reviving vessels and recalibrating itineraries after such a lengthy delay, and the safety standards needed to reassure guests that their health and well-being is the top priority.
Pushing cruising forward
When it comes to reducing CO2 emissions and reaping economic savings, a multitude of solutions are available. In the case of Carnival Corporation, it is the increasing use of liquefied natural gas in company ships. Martin Morris speaks to Tom Strang, senior vice-president of maritime affairs at Carnival Corporation, who explains the benefits of this solution and how it will help the company meet its long-term objectives.
Immersed in the deep blue
Hotel interior design encourages luxurious experience alongside the thoughtful use of materials. Buoyed by the desires of its clientele, cruise operators are beginning to do the same. Andrea Valentino talks to Sebastien Flamant of Flamant Interior Design and Malvina Guarnieri at Tilberg Design of Sweden about how cruise ship design is being shaped by onshore hospitality, the obstacles of regulation, and how cruises could look years from now.
Sail into adventure
Interest in expeditionary cruising has surged in the past decade, with trips exploring regions such as Antarctica and the Galapagos. Vessels are refining their approach to education on board, with sleek facilities and detailed lecture programming. But how do companies tailor this to the interests of different guests? Brooke Theis asks Florence Kuyper of Aurora Expeditions, Jen Martin of Seabourn and Simon Evans of Intrepid Travel to share their experiences.
A new challenge
A transport policy expert who has worked in leadership roles at the International Air Transport Association for over a decade, including serving as assistant director for EU affairs, Marie-Caroline Laurent is the newly appointed director general for Cruise Line International Association in Europe during a tumultuous period for travel and tourism. Abi Millar speaks to her about moving into the sector, the challenges facing European operators and Laurent’s priorities for the coming year.
A promising recovery
Despite the continuing pressures of the pandemic, order books show no signs of abating as shipbuilders throughout Europe and beyond continue to work tirelessly to produce an impressive slew of new vessels. Jim Banks takes a look at some of the new ships being readied for launch, including the long-awaited Disney Wish, and how construction processes have been adapted to keep going despite the restrictions imposed due to Covid-19.
Green Marine Future – funding for sustainability projects secured
London’s leading River Bus operator, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers , has won Department for Transport (DfT) funding to support three projects to research and develop green river transport for the future.
Polar power
The rise of the expeditionary sector – particularly excursions to polar regions – has ignited an arms race. Cruise lines are competing to incorporate the latest green technologies and luxury amenities into a new generation of polar vessels built to break through the ice in the hazardous waters of the Arctic and Antarctic. Jim Banks speaks to Thibaut Tincelin, CEO of marine architecture specialists Stirling Design, to discuss the challenges of building a new breed of cruise vessel.
A lifeline on land
With an official lifespan of 30 years, maturing cruise vessels often face a cantankerous afterlife, fated for the malarial shores of Alang, India, and stripped for steel by armies of workers. Others are offloaded to third-world cruise lines or sold on secondary markets. But, what if these ageing giants could be repurposed for other means? Brooke Theis speaks to Chris d Craiker, president of Craiker Associates, Architects and Planners, and Joost van Rooijen, architect and managing partner of Studio Komma, about giving old cruise ships a fresh lease of life on dry land.