Resin-applications specialist Bolidt has signed an exclusivity agreement with long-standing customer Chantiers de l’Atlantique. It covers all of the French shipyard’s newbuild cruise vessels – in addition to several navy ships, and offshore projects – until 2027.

The joint undertaking is the latest in a 32-year relationship that has so far seen Bolidt supply its decking systems to around 100 Chantiers de l’Atlantique-built vessels – primarily cruise ships. Notable projects include Cunard’s RMS Queen Mary 2; Celebrity Cruises’ Edge-class vessels featuring the innovative “Magic Carpet” movable platform; MSC’s World Class series, and Accor’s Orient Express Silenseas, which, upon entry into service in 2026, will be the world’s largest sailing ship.

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New products

Throughout its collaboration with Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Bolidt has also been enhancing its product portfolio in response to evolving demands from the cruise lines. This approach has resulted in innovations such as Bolidt’s industry-leading Bolideck Future Teak, which closely resembles real teak, but is lighter and more durable with a lower environmental impact.

Bolidt is prioritising sustainability, including its targets for incorporating more bio-based materials and recycled parts into its decking systems. While many of its products already comprise eighty per cent organic material, Bolidt wants to increase this figure in line with the International Maritime Organization’s ambition to achieve net zero in shipping-related emissions by 2050.

Picture: Celebrity Edge’s main pool deck, which Bolidt supplied to (by Bolidt).

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