Supporting Marine Interior Design Worldwide

From cruise ships and ferries to defence vessels and explorer ships, Cath brings deep technical knowledge and a practical understanding of the pressures facing marine projects today, from certification and weight restrictions to tight lead times and global supply.

We spent time with Cath to explore the challenges faced by the industry and how laminate products play a crucial role in marine interior design. 

Q: Where do laminate materials tend to be used in marine interiors?

Pretty much everywhere. Laminate sheets are widely used across marine interiors, from cabin furniture, such as wardrobes, desks and bed heads, through to bathroom furniture, walls, doors and corridors.

For bulkheads and corridor wall cladding, IMO-certified material is absolutely crucial. Laminate sheets are often chosen here because of their robustness and ease of cleaning, both essential in high-traffic marine environments.

We also see Homapal metal laminates used in areas such as stairwells, atriums and bars, where designers want to introduce a sense of glamour or visual impact. HPL is especially common in public toilets, children’s areas, gyms and spas, where hygiene, durability and cleanability are key concerns.

Q: Certification is critical in marine projects. What should designers be aware of?

Within the Broadview Materials brands, Formica, Arpa, Homapal and FENIX, can be supplied with EU IMO certification, which is a globally recognised system of international rules designed to ensure maritime safety.

For HPL, this certification is achieved through rigorous fire and toxicity testing in line with EU standards.  We can supply material in compliance with the EU standard from Europe, Asia and North America if required.

Post-Brexit, it’s also important to note that marine equipment placed on UK-flagged ships must meet UK standards and carry the Red Ensign UK conformity mark, confirming compliance with IMO rules.

Material produced at our North Shields manufacturing plant carries both the Red Ensign UK mark and the EU IMO conformity mark, giving reassurance for projects operating across different regulatory environments.

Q: Are there any clear trends in decor choices for marine interiors?

Designers always want to be unique, so there isn’t really a single “go-to” decor. That said, walnut and darker wood tones are definitely trending at the moment.

It’s worth remembering, though, that marine specifications are often set several years before a ship is built, so they can lag behind hospitality trends. Many cruise ships are now aiming to create a “home away from home” feel, offering the comfort and luxury of residential interiors alongside the excitement of travel.

On larger cruise ships, laminate is used extensively, while smaller, high-end vessels and premier suites often feature fewer laminates in favour of more exclusive finishes. For ferries and fishing trawlers, functionality tends to take priority, with whites, greys and simpler woodgrains being the norm.

Q: How does weight influence material selection on board?

Weight is a major consideration on any vessel. Everything that goes on board is carefully calculated, and that’s where laminate performs particularly well.

Compared to materials like real stone or solid wood, HPL offers a lightweight solution that can be bonded to low-weight substrates, helping designers achieve the desired look without compromising performance or efficiency.

Q: What about sustainability - how much does it influence marine interiors today?

Sustainability is definitely a growing topic and a key discussion point with designers. Much of the industry’s focus however is still on fuel types and operational efficiency, rather than wall and surface materials.

Designers are interested in products which can be perceived as more sustainable, but ultimately, colour, performance and aesthetic still play a huge role in final decisions. That said, sustainability requirements are becoming clearer, and we’re working to provide overviews and data wherever possible to support future specifications.

Q: What types of vessels are laminate materials used on?

Laminates are used across all vessel types, including cruise ships, ferries, fishing boats, defence vessels and explorer ships.

Yachts tend to use less laminate overall, typically limiting it to crew cabins or internal wardrobe spaces, and volumes are generally much smaller compared to commercial vessels.

Q: What are the biggest practical challenges in marine projects?

Lead times, without question. They are absolutely critical.

In refurbishment projects, dry docks are booked for fixed dates, and materials cannot be late by even a single day. If a product doesn’t arrive on time, contractors will simply switch it out—often regardless of cost.

Even with new builds, where designs are finalised years in advance, the actual notice we receive can be surprisingly short—sometimes only a few weeks.

Q: Finally, what sets your group apart in the marine sector?

Our key strength is our global manufacturing footprint. We have facilities around the world capable of producing IMO-certified materials, allowing us to supply projects wherever they’re being built or refurbished.

Globally, we have regional collections which follow local design trends and overall, having global manufacturing capability is a huge advantage. Designers, contractors and shipyards have the confidence that we can support their projects, wherever and whenever they happen.

You can learn more about our Marine offering here. If you need any information regarding our products, global availability, certification or application then please get in touch.