IMO-SOLAS certified flooring and carpet coatings for cruise ships. Under IMO seal with rudder wheel

For several decades back the 60s and 70s pleasure trips on large cruise ships have been increasing their capacities in terms of size and qualities, diversifying their services with a specialization according to the type of cruiser, even reaching Theme of travel with a clear segmentation of the tourist, being increasingly attracted to make his vacation in one of these colossus boats, which rather look like authentic floating cities.

Over time these large ships have evolved and adapted to maritime safety regulations in terms of their most demanding equipment and construction design, among which are the carpets as the most used coatings for the indoor floors of this type of boat. Therefore a cruise is not only a luxurious and relaxing way to travel, at the same time it is considered one of the safest means to do so.

The reason is simple, they have been equipped since the beginning of its construction with strict security elements according to the International Convention for the Safety of Human Life at Sea (SOLAS) and developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), among these materials are carpets.

To do this you have to take into account key aspects during the construction of a cruise ship that are many, but certainly have a large team of naval architects very specialized in different areas is fundamental, since they have to coordinate perfectly during the design, construction and supervision of these large floating cities. Among these areas, the installation of flame-retardant carpets with MED Certificate have been a substantial improvement that combines materials such as polypropylene, wool or even plant fibers.

What is required in the design of a cruise ship?

Generally speaking, a safe helmet is required, compliance with SrtP (Real-Time Safety Protocol), which has minimums in terms of energy efficiency and causes the least possible environmental impact. As for its functional design, it is modern and executed on a balanced budget. But apart from the thousands of details in equipment that we can find on a ship of the dimensions of a large cruiser, its coatings are one of the parts that most concern, since they have to perform various functions, whether they are on walls , ceilings or floors are sought whenever they provide a minimum level of demand in terms of insulation, comfort, cleanliness, resistance and fire safety.

Isolation between sections of a ship

When we talk about the interior insulation of a boat, we always assume that the wrapping of its structure meets high demands in terms of impacts, but there are always risks of hydraulic leaks or possible waterways, noises that come from sections such as engine rooms or worse, the possibility that a fire could start. Each coating must meet a basic objective depending on where they are installed. Those coatings that are bonded or very close to certain sensitive machinery will have to focus their qualities more towards functionality rather than an aesthetic. On the other hand when we talk about the interior floors of a ship, such as the corridors, crew cabins and passage or the common areas, their characteristics have to combine with a certain comfort, aesthetics, in addition to the relevant fireproof qualities. 

Bringing all these characteristics together in the same carpet is a challenge, so customers of large ocean liners such as Balearia, Carnival, Royal Caribbean or MSC Cruises, have been able to appreciate our work, not only for the quality of the materials that they we propose, but because of the finishes and finishes with which all our facilities are carried out.

Integrating comfort and aesthetics on the floor of a ship

Without a doubt it is the most visible part, when walking we will be able to appreciate a comfortable tread and visually we will notice how its colors integrate perfectly with the rest of the decoration. The carpet formats for boats are two, in rolls 4 meters wide and 30 meters long, have the Certificate of Fire Reaction according to (IMO Resolution A653(16), IMO Resolution MSC 307(88) Appendix 1 Part 2, IMO Resolution MSC 307(88) Appendix 1 Appendix 1 Part 5, offering 30dB impact noise insulation. Another format aimed more for more technical stays within a large cruise, are the modular tiles or carpets, with a thickness of up to 8 millimetres, stand out for their ease when it comes to any partial replacement. Whether rolled or tiles, these carpets have an anti-mite treatment and anti-dirt, thanks to their special manufacture that gives it a surface that prevents the absorption of dirt, being very easy to clean with high depression machines.

From our experience as carpet installers for boats, we have always opted for a quality that includes not only durability and aesthetics, but are also accompanied by SOLAS standards and MED certificates, distinguishing itself by the rudder seal that appear on our entire range of carpets. In addition to the intrinsic quality of our carpets, the methodology of our facilities is certified and supported by a specialized organization such as Bureau Veritas, in charge of the classification of ships and related services such as certification in all technical aspects of materials installed during the construction phase.