Meyer Turku, the manufacturer of the world’s most advanced ships, is exploring ways to utilize composites for reducing vessel weight, lowering fuel consumption and emissions, and enhancing design freedom. With LICO as one of the development partners, the journey towards the future of maritime has begun.
The maritime industry is on a course to decarbonize. For example, the EU requires ships to join the emissions trading system by 2026, while the IMO has set global targets to cut emissions by 20% by 2030 and 70% by 2040, driving a rapid green transition on seas. Concurrently, passengers’ expectations for cruise ships are rising. New concepts require increased capacity, particularly in the upper structures, which significantly affects the vessel’s stability and propulsion power. Additionally, ships are approaching the maximum main dimensions that can be built in the shipyard’s dry dock or operated in cruise ports, making weight reduction increasingly necessary.
“Over a cruise ship’s approximate service life of 35 years, even small weight savings have a significant impact on fuel economy. Thus, replacing traditional materials with lightweight composites holds great potential, as their recyclability is improving. In addition, composites enable flexible designs and high-quality, corrosion-resistant finishes that enhance passenger experience,” says Ari Niemelä, Head of Hull Basic Design at Meyer Turku.
Co-creating cruise ships of the future
Mayer Turku, known for its ships such as Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas and Legend of the Seas, is currently preparing a project to explore the use of composite structures in shipbuilding. The initiative involves universities and suppliers, including LICO, to examine opportunities for both interior and exterior applications and remove barriers to the broader adoption of composites.
“In interior spaces, the key issue is fire safety: how to integrate composite structures into ship interiors in compliance with safety requirements. For exterior areas, the focus is on wind loads and mechanical challenges, such as how to connect composites securely and durably to hull structures, and how to attach outfitting components to composite surfaces,” Niemelä explains.
Large ships turn slowly but steadily
Shipbuilding is, by nature, a conservative industry for a reason. In maritime applications, safety is non-negotiable—especially as vessels become larger, more electrified and heavier, and subject to stricter environmental regulations. Safety, regulation, and massive investments require both shipowners and shipyards to manage risks with great care. This conservatism is, however, a strength. It ensures reliability and safety while guiding development through long-term commitment.
“Bringing new solutions into the industry does not happen overnight. It requires patience and determination, as there are no quick wins. Every project is part of a larger process in which enormous machines, equipment, and systems are tested, developed, and integrated. We achieve significant breakthroughs only through persistent effort,” Niemelä emphasizes.
At Meyer Turku, the first experiments with composites have been promising. For example, LICO has delivered Mayer Turku composites for the cabin bathroom structures.
“LICO is an active and innovative composite manufacturer. I consider them a very potential partner for us, also in the future,” Niemelä adds.