Renotech specialists have extensive
experience of fire safe materials
in cruise vessels
Photos: Risto Valkeapää
“When designing the ship interior
it is important to be aware of material properties and behaviour of
materials during the fire,” say Managing Director of Renotech Mr. Juhani Laaksonen and President Mr.
Bob Talling.
B
oth men, partners in the Renotech
Ltd, have scientific materials study
background from a Finnish University of
Technology. They also have a long practical experience of building materials and
fire safe materials in cruise vessels. Latest
reference is the Oasis of the Seas. Renotech holds five IMO certificates for non-combustible materials and two certificates for
low flame spread materials.
“Our most recent innovation is a
method to transfer high quality photographs (RenoImage) to almost any substrate. The substrate can be flat, curved
Juhani Laaksonen and Bob Talling have created, together with their artist, fire safe gypsum
reliefs to the luxury cruise vessels.
or irregular and highly three-dimensional.
ceiling and never specify materials, paint
RenoImage can be used on various gyp-
and coatings with unknown burning char-
sum and concrete mouldings or on metal
acteristics for any structure. This is one of
surface to give the real look,” they note.
many means by which passenger safety
The company’s range of silicate ad-
can be increased.”
hesives is continuously used in fireproofing composites like fire doors and miner-
SURSHIP: SOLID SAFETY
al wool based products.
Talling underlines the importance of the
“Fireproofing of steel is one of our
work of SURSHIP project. SURSHIP is a co-
growing business areas. Additionally, we
operative research project built to improve
provide penetration seals and fireproofing
technologies for prediction of risks, safety
paints.” The men add that gypsum is one
and survivability of ships and to apply the
of the best materials in the company’s so-
knowledge into designs and rules.
lutions because of its versatility and high
The comprehensive and coordinated
content of chemically bound water to be
cooperation in the project strengthens the
released during fire.
European maritime industry’s ability and
“Artwork should at least have low
holders: ship owners, ship builders, sup-
specify suggest materials which have not
pliers, national administrations and Inter-
been tested according to the newest IMO
seatec 1/2010
safety approach which influences all stake-
chitect should take his responsibility not to
20
know-how of a more generic holistic ship
tent of organic material. A specifying ar-
Juhani Laaksonen shows the result of
transferring a photograph on a gypsum ball.
competitiveness. It creates an improved
flame spread behavior and minimal con-
national Maritime Organization (IMO). ■
method. Never place plastic based materials, moulding or decorations up in the
RISTO VALKEAPÄÄ