STX is now eager to convince the industry that xpTray is the way of the future.
As a product, it is easy enough to manufacture since the structure is so straightforward.
“There is a separate hull segment and
hotel segment. One can go as far as to
build the hull and the hotel tower separately and put them together only in the final
stages of construction. Together with our
experience and our designers & builders
at STX Europe the xpTray will emerge as a
viable concept from a visionary dream.” ■
SAMI J. ANTEROINEN
STX Europe’s ”Dream Team” which works on groundbreaking cruise ship concepts.
FIMECC programme Innovation & Networks launched
N
ew programme is helping maritime players think out-
provement in a changing world. He notes that Finns have tra-
side the box. FIMECC Ltd. – Finnish Metals and Engi-
ditionally put out prototypes while Asian players have con-
neering Competence Cluster – recently launched ‘Innova-
centrated on serial production – right now, we are seeing a
tion and Networks’ research programme that uses maritime
convergence in this area as well.
as the pilot industry. Programme manager Matti Nallikari
“In Finland, serial construction is seen as more attrac-
explains that the new innovation engine encompasses two
tive now and other players such as the Koreans and Chinese
key elements.
are looking to get into the prototype market.”
“First of all, we work under the premise of Open In-
Under the programme, the Finns are exploring a plat-
novation, developing ideas with a wide range of stakehold-
form ideology which means that profile products can be de-
ers,” he says.
livered to the customer with the efficiency of serial manufac-
“And second, maritime is the designated industry that
will pilot those innovations we can come up with.”
Nallikari sees the basic role of the programme as a
bridge-builder of sorts – to bring different types of people
ture. This means, in turn, that the prototype utilises solutions
that can be repeated effortlessly. The platform approach is
expected to result in