On the Surface As the cruise industry looks towards its return, surfaces materials and finishes endeavour to meet new standards of hygiene. Words: Eleanor Howard
M
ore than most settings, cruise ships
is through face-to-face contact and close
have always put focus on health and
proximity between passengers, vessels also
safety; the fear of a fire or an outbreak
feature an abundance of high touchpoint surfaces
of foodborne illness are common concerns in
on which the virus can remain for up to 28
the marine sector. To combat these potential
days. The propensity for pathogens to linger on
threats, the industry’s fabrics and finishes must
surfaces is evident in the case of the Diamond
meet stringent regulations, including those of
Princess cruise ship: there were still traces
the IMO (International Maritime Organisation)
of Covid-19 on board the ship 17 days after it
and MSC (Maritime Safety Committee). Touching
evacuated all passengers.
mechanical components to upholstery, the wide-
While there is now a glimmer of hope in
reaching industry requirements are responsible
the form of a vaccine, the way in which the
for creating a safe environment for all on board.
marine sector operates will never be the same.
Then came coronavirus. In the face of a
In terms of surface materials, it is possible that
global pandemic, hygiene has never been more
cruise operators will replace carpets with hard
important – particularly in enclosed spaces
surfaces for ease of cleaning, though designers
such as ocean liners. According to the Centre
must continue to consider the uncompromising
for Disease Control & Prevention, the current
weight restrictions on board. They will also need
scientific evidence suggests that cruise ships
to be more resilient than ever before to withstand
pose a greater risk of Covid-19 transmission
the level of cleaning required to ensure a safe
than other settings due to the high population
conditions for passengers and staff.
density on board, typically more closely packed than cities or most other living situations. Though the most obvious risk of transmission
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In response to the pandemic, manufacturers are already producing marine-specific surfaces, materials and treatments which cater to a post-
