The Ship of The Future by Thibaut Tincelin
Thibaut Tincelin is the CEO of marine architecture specialists Stirling Design International – the firm behind the design for PONANT’s cruise ships’ – and gives his vision for the future of sea vessels. Tomorrow’s cruise ships will be powered more self-sufficiently, equipped with new technology and even more aesthetically pleasing for their passengers.
Ships need to reduce all kinds of emissions, including sulphate, nitrate, particles and CO2. This drive to build ships that use less fuel and respect the environment more has had a huge reshaping effect on the marine architecture industry.
The PONANT EXPLORERS: An Innovative and Luxury Cruise Ship
The PONANT EXPLORERS futuristic features, which boasts its own retractable marina platform and world-first underwater lounge, originated from CEO, Jean-Emmanuel Sauvée, who came up with both ideas. Architect Jacques Rougerie worked on the underwater lounge and Tincelin's team at SDI were particularly involved in developing the marina and drew inspiration from ocean-bound yachting. As a result, all parties involved were able to work with PONANT to find innovative technical solutions.
Envisioning the Ship of the Future
Aesthetic Quality:
The ship of the future will be able to take on a whole new geometrically complex aesthetic quality, making the whole vessel much more streamlined and lending it a simpler overall visual character, which is extremely important.
Sustainable Energy Equipment:
Solar panels and wind turbines will become more and more apparent on ships. The shipping industry is looking to cut down sulphate, nitrate and particle pollution, which is why almost all boats built are now powered by natural gas or gasoil.
Itineraries Onboard:
Today, the ship is seen as a destination in its own right, with passengers spending more time on board enjoying everything it has to offer. According to Tincelin, the biggest development will be in the range of cultural and educational activities available to cruise ship passengers. Virtual reality will be used to inform them in advance about the ship’s upcoming itinerary and raise their awareness about environmental concerns.
