Vard Electro has delivered a new and innovative 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. It is the first SeaQ Integrated Bridge delivered to the cruise industry and marks the entry into a new market segment for Vard Electro as a supplier of maritime electronics.

As part of Fincantieri’s digitalization strategy, the subsidiary Vard Electro is making strides in the cruise market with its SeaQ technology. Being part of Fincantieri has been instrumental in the company’s achievements within this segment.

The renowned SeaQ Integrated Bridge has been further developed to meet the specific needs and challenges of cruise ships through a four-year process of collaboration with TUI Cruises. This represents a significant leap in terms of digital integration of shipboard systems to enhance operational efficiency.

“The SeaQ Integrated Bridge is an advanced solution that gives operators a new perspective and new way of viewing their systems,” says Gisle Anderssen, SVP Sales and Marketing at Vard Electro.

first-hand insight
“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,” Anderssen continues.

The SeaQ bridge integrates all systems into a seamless 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 seamlessly connected systems whether you are on the main bridge, safety command center, 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,” says Captain of Mein Schiff Relax, Tom Roth.

As a long-established and recognized supplier of its SeaQ range of products to the maritime industry, Vard Electro has so far performed fifty deliveries of the future-oriented SeaQ Integrated Bridge solution across different vessel segments over many years.

IMPORTANT MILESTONE
“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 concludes.

The SeaQ portfolio from Vard Electro includes a wide range of products and solutions that go beyond the delivery onboard Mein Schiff Relax. It is a portfolio of proven, future-oriented technologies with a strong focus on digitalization 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 will take place in Málaga on April 9th, joined by Mein Schiff 5 and Mein Schiff 7—two other ships from the TUI Cruises fleet. The event marks the ship’s official naming and entry into service.

  About Vard Electro

• Vard Electro is a globally recognized and trusted supplier of marine electrical systems, focusing on innovative concepts that provide cost-effective, reliable and sustainable solutions to optimize vessel performance.
• Vard Electro offers full-scale electrical engineering design, marine procurement and system integration capabilities, based on its expertise developed as part of the Vard shipbuilding group.
• Vard Electro’s products and solutions are delivered through SeaQ, an in-house developed product brand, created in close collaboration with the customers. Recognized by shipowners worldwide, the SeaQ portfolio encompasses products and solutions covering everything from power solutions, automation systems, bridge and navigation, communication, and autonomous technology.
• Vard Electro is a subsidiary of VARD, one of the major global designers and shipbuilders of specialized vessels. The majority shareholder of VARD is Fincantieri Oil & Gas S.p.A., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fincantieri S.p.A. Headquartered in Trieste, Italy.