As owners aim to meet passenger desires more precisely in mature markets, and as the Chinese and expedition cruise markets[ds_preview] grow, new opportunities for designers arise. Exterior and interior architect YSA Design (known for over 30 years as Petter Yran & Bjørn Storbraaten) has invested in new 3D modelling tools and hired additional design talent to ensure that it is prepared to meet the challenges of a fast-changing new ship design sector.
The Norwegian company secured a significant body of work on board »MSC Seaside«, the 160,000t MSC Cruises flagship newbuilding which is the first of a pair set to be homeported in Miami. The ship’s strong emphasis on family was also a focus at its naming ceremony in Miami on 21 December, 2017. YSA Design incorporated LEGO facilities onboard. This project has brought follow up work for YSA to devise facilities like this aboard the first of four MSC Cruises Lirica-class ships lengthened at Fincantieri.
For a second, undisclosed owner, the seeds are being sown for YSA Design to offer its expertise to newbuilding projects in China, Gullikstad adds, where colour choices may be bolder. The company has already been part of a radical main deck conversion for a European-built ship to meet Asian cruising tastes at a Chinese yard, and the same owner is following up with a European build conceived for Chinese cruisers.
Closer to home, but also fast-moving, is the developing market for newbuild expedition ships, where YSA Design’s neighbouring yards in Norway have made concerted efforts to attract orders as oil prices have led their traditional offshore customers to close the books on new construction. As many as 20 projects to build smaller luxury cruise ships capable of operating in polar expeditions are either underway or in the pipeline, and many of the firm contracts have been secured by Norwegian yard groups.
The small number of passengers (mostly between 150 and 250) means that they need to be distinctive by brand. If spectacular surroundings are the draw, use of space onboard and innovative interior design can provide the individuality that brings repeat business.
Gullikstad says that YSA Design has worked behind the scenes to support several Norwegian yards as they have developed the General Arrangement drawings to convert a business opportunity into firm contracts.
