"We were impressed by the high quality and diversity of the submitted ideas. The nominated projects demonstrate the immense innovative potential in the areas of sustainability, decarbonization, and digital transformation. We look forward to getting to know the concepts personally in September and developing new ideas for the future of cruising together with the originators," says Dirk Inger, Senior Vice President Public Affairs, Communication & Sustainability at AIDA Cruises.
Finalists in the Decarbonization Category
Revincus from Weimar, Hydronauten GmbH from Rostock, and TiTech from Madrid have qualified for the final.
Revincus has developed a technology for recovering thermal energy from wastewater. The recovered energy can be reused on board and helps reduce energy consumption, CO₂ emissions, and operating costs. Hydronauten GmbH from Rostock impresses with its QuietHydro technology, which reduces pump vibrations, lowers noise emissions, and simultaneously improves the energy efficiency of pump systems. Furthermore, the solution can increase comfort for guests and crew. TiTech from Spain relies on a chemical-free titanium surface that prevents the growth of marine organisms on underwater structures. The resulting reduction in friction can improve energy efficiency and lower emissions.
Finalists in the Sustainability Category
Rostock Port GmbH, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and Circularity Germany GmbH from Hamburg have been nominated.
With the LA-RoRo II project, Rostock Port GmbH is pursuing an innovative approach to active noise reduction in the port. Real-time analysis and targeted counter-signals are used to reduce noise emissions and thus improve comfort for guests, crew, and residents. The German Aerospace Center (DLR) presents an approach with its "WoodShip – Sustainable Wood Integration in Cruise Ships" project, which investigates the increased use of wood in selected ship structures. The material properties and carbon storage of the raw material could lead to long-term emissions reductions. Circularity Germany GmbH is pursuing a circular economy concept for textiles on board ships. Work clothes, towels, and tablecloths are to be recycled and reintroduced into operations as new products. Onboard laundries become important partners in the circular economy, and textiles that are no longer usable can be transformed into new raw materials for textile production.
Finalists in the AI & Smart Solutions category: Ariadne, Mannheim-based contagt GmbH, and Rostock.ai were selected for the final round.
Ariadne develops privacy-compliant technologies for analyzing visitor flows and frequencies, entirely without cameras and without collecting personal data. The insights gained can, for example, help to tailor offerings and operational processes even more precisely to guest needs. Contagt GmbH presents a digital indoor navigation system that can be integrated into existing applications in the future, making it even easier for guests to find their way around on board. Additional features such as barrier-free wayfinding and event information create further added value. With Rostock.ai, Rostock-based founder Jamil Darwish has developed an AI-powered platform that connects visitors with current information, local offers, businesses, and attractions. For cruise passengers, the solution could serve as a digital travel companion in the future, providing personalized, context-based recommendations for their time ashore.
In addition to the finalists' pitch presentations, the AIDA Innovation Hub offers a diverse daily program and numerous networking opportunities. Keynote speeches by Stefanie Berk will provide valuable insights for professional exchange. She is an industry expert in the travel and mobility sector, specializing in customer orientation/customer experience management, transformation and digitalization, and growth and innovation. Furthermore, the panel discussion "Innovative Cruising: Smart Visions for a Strong Future" will explore the technological developments, societal expectations, and political frameworks that will shape the future of cruising. The discussion will focus on issues surrounding climate goals, smart ports, digital innovations, and the role of cruising as a driver of sustainable tourism.
The AIDA Innovation Hub is part of AIDA Cruises' innovation strategy and aims to strengthen the exchange between business, academia, and maritime practice. Its goal is to identify promising ideas early on and support their development from the concept phase to practical application.
Tags: Dirk Inger, AIDA Cruises
