The latest decking solutions and a boom in refits are under the microscope
Bolidt has launched Bolideck Future Teak Signature Premium – a decking system which aims to set new standards in authenticity as an alternative to real teak.
Using a blend of colours to recreate the natural patterns of the highest quality teak, Bolidt began developing Bolideck Signature Premium together with the Accor Group’s Orient Express in 2023. The new system will feature on board Orient Express Corinthian, which will enter service as the largest sailing yacht at sea upon delivery from Chantiers de l’Atlantique in 2026.
Made of a higher-quality material with greater colour stability, Bolideck Signature Premium is less prone to fade with sustained UV exposure on sun decks and retains its natural appearance even when wet.
Bolidt head of operations Gerben Smit tells PST, “Since launching our original Future Teak some 20 years ago, it has become the industry standard. More recently, we saw clients were for looking for something even more advanced, so we developed the Signature line. It is inspired by nature with exceptional authenticity.”
The Netherlands-headquartered company showcased its new product at Seatrade Cruise Global in April this year, where it unveiled a ‘thumb print’ to highlight the company worked to get the solution as “close to nature as we could”. Mr Smit adds, “It’s the signature of our A-grade Future Teak.”
The Signature solution received a strong reception at the Miami-based cruise trade fair. Mr Smit says, “People were enthusiastic. Six out of 10 thought it was real wood – they were surprised by its appearance and feel – you couldn’t get a better compliment than this.”
As well as its appearance, another benefit is a cool pigment has been added to create 10-12° less heat when walking on the decking, which is a big benefit for when cruising in hot climates.
The company unveiled its first cruise ship contract at Seatrade Cruise Global too. Mr Smit comments, “The shipyard came to our facilities where they had questions about being able to do special designs and wanted to know what was possible. They liked the mockup; we did an installation of a balcony and another mockup at the shipyard, which they also liked. Following this, my team were trained to be fully prepared for the installation, based on the drawings and special details highlighted.”
The ship will feature the product on its open decks and balconies.
Mr Smit continues, “Chantiers de l’Atlantique has been specifying Bolidt solutions on its cruise newbuilds for decades. Bolideck Future Teak Signature Premium achieves a timeless elegance befitting a vessel that marries classic aesthetics and modern innovation for a new era of maritime luxury. We are extremely happy with the result.
Indeed, Mr Smit tells PST Bolidt is delighted to be involved in this innovative ship. 220-m Orient Express Silenseas Corinthian will feature three sail masts with a height above 100 m and 54 cabins with an average size of 70 m2. Planned for delivery in March 2026, it is set to become the world’s largest sailing ship.
Corinthian will feature three SolidSail rigs – a 1,500-m2 wind-propulsion system developed by the operator and tested as a prototype.
As part of this product launch, new tools and processes are required. Mr Smit elaborates, “To achieve a level of elegance and natural aesthetics that would surpass those of the original Future Teak, we used an entirely new development process incorporating specialist tools and testing equipment. Even the installation procedure is based on a new technique our installers need to be specially trained in, to achieve the best result for our customers”.
Mr Smit continues, “This is one of the benefits of having everything under one roof – we develop everything ourselves, from the entire decking systems, the custom-made tools and the training programme for our inhouse installers.”
“Our new technology and processes for Signature start with mixing and extend to how to pour the material on deck. It needs to be properly done in certain lines, and is enabled by the tool that creates the A-grade look.”
Alongside the Signature line, Bolidt has also developed a transparent protective layer, which boosts maintenance. Bolidt Sealer X is a protective sealer with water- and oil-repellent properties. This added protection makes it more difficult for dirt to adhere to Future Teak Signature Premium, making the system even easier to clean. Additionally, stains are less visible.
Bolidt Sealer X also enhances the contrast of the Future Teak Signature Premium design, giving the deck additional character and enriching the overall experience for the user.
The Signature line can be used in refits as well as newbuilds and in fact, Mr Smit notes this was of interest to customers at Seatrade Cruise Global.
Surge in refits
Alongside its new product launch, Bolidt is also busy with existing solutions for cruise ship refits, which has surged recently after it stalled over the pandemic. Mr Smit notes refits that were delayed due to Covid are now being phased in, with many major projects taking place that plan to be in dock for up to seven weeks, rather than the traditional three-week drydocks usually seen.
Bolidt has just finished Allure of the Seas. Mr Smit expands, “This was a massive drydock of seven weeks and we had 150 technicians on board replacing a lot of open decks, sports and pool areas – there were 35 areas in total. A big benefit is we removed old layers of decking which saved a lot of weight and brings advantages in terms of fuel consumption.”
Other recent and ongoing projects, including both refits and refurbishments, include the latest Viking Ocean Cruises vessel being built in Ancora, Celebrity Eclipse, Carnival Miracle, MSC Divina and Miracle of the Seas. The company has also delivered an extensive range of solutions to NYK Cruises’ Asuka III.
