Cruise Market: Riding The Wave Of Success
Tomorrow marks the beginning of MARINE INTERIORS. Key decision-makers from shipping companies, shipyards and naval architecture firms will gather at the Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH (HMC) exhibition complex for the new expo. Their focus: The booming ship interiors segment.
Hamburg, 10 September 2019 – Travelling while feeling at home: Cruises offer passengers a holiday experience that combines new impressions with relaxed comfort, a trend that attracts more and more people, as the most recent survey conducted by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) shows. The number of cruise passengers in Germany has increased by 3.0per cent, the figure for all of Europe is 3.3per cent, and global total growth is at a staggering 6.7per cent. Shipbuilders and suppliers benefit from this boom, as well: The global order book counts more than 120 newbuilding projects to be completed by 2027.
A topic of growing importance and great market potential is interior architecture for cruise vessels. The MARINE INTERIORS Cruise & Ferry Global Expo, powered by SMM, which starts tomorrow, is Europe’s first industry fair dedicated specifically to this market. From floorings to kitchen equipment through to smart door locking systems ‒ at MARINE INTERIORS, which takes place in parallel with the Seatrade Europe Cruise and River Cruise Convention, top-ranking suppliers will be represented to showcase their products. More than 100 companies from 21 countries are participating.
Great expectations for new market participants
Shortly before the debut of MARINE INTERIORS, Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH (HMC) asked shipowners, shipbuilding companies and suppliers around the world for their assessment of the economic and technological development of the industry. The resulting SMM Maritime Industry Report (MIR) for the first time includes information relevant to ship interiors. More than one third of respondents indicated an interest in products and services for ship interiors, with turnkey solutions being especially popular. Furthermore, the majority of respondents welcome new market participants. "We are constantly looking for new suppliers offering solutions that are tailored to our requirements,” said Dr Hermann J. Klein, Managing Director at Carnival Maritime.
According to the MIR, several suppliers looking for potential customers are turning their attention to Asia: 21per cent of respondents plan to boost their activities there, and one third said they are already present in the Asian market.
The thriving Asia business is reflected in this year’s MARINE INTERIORS conference programme: For example, on Friday 13 September the Chinese Dialogue Sessions will seek to deepen European and Chinese business relationships in cruise and RoPax shipbuilding.
On Wednesday 11 September the panel discussions at the conference will revolve around the question how brand value can be built through design ideas, whereas the conversation on Thursday 12 September will home in on the strict safety requirements for cruise ships. Well-known designers will explain how regulations can be implemented in aesthetically pleasing ways when building a cruise ship.
"By hosting MARINE INTERIORS we are addressing an explicit market need, offering exhibitors a platform expressly dedicated to ship interiors for the very first time. We are looking forward to seeing all the outstanding enterprises who will be present, welcomingmany visitors, and listening to inspiring discussions during the conferences," said Claus Ulrich Selbach, Business Unit Director – Maritime and Technology Fairs & Exhibitions at HMC.
About the SMM Maritime Industry Report
The SMM Maritime Industry Report (MIR) is prepared jointly by Hamburg Messe & Congress GmbH (HMC), the organiser of SMM, and the market research institute mindline GmbH. It is a comprehensive study that reflects how SMM exhibitors and visitors assess the sector’s economic and technological development. The Maritime Industry Score summarises the economic expectations. The SMM MIR was conducted for the first time in 2017. This year's study also addresses aspects relating to ship interiors. The participant profile reflects the full breadth of industry segments, with 62per cent of respondents representing suppliers, 18per cent ship-owning companies, 13per cent shipyards, and 7per cent interior designers. Nearly one third of respondents are exhibitors at SMM, and the remainder are visitors. To read the SMM MIR go here.
About the MARINE INTERIORS Cruise & Ferry Global Expo, powered by SMM
The MARINE INTERIORS Cruise & Ferry Global Expo, powered by SMM takes place every odd year. At the inaugural event from 11-13 September 2019, exhibitors from all areas of ship interior design will be present to meet up with numerous top-ranking visitors, including decision-makers from shipowning companies, shipyards and design firms. The new trade fair will be held in parallel with the Seatrade Europe – Cruise and River Cruise Convention. Visitors will have free access to both events.
