Nominations for the Cruise+Ferry 2001 awards - launched by Lloyd’s List Events to recognise the best practices in 11 categories - reflect worldwide advances by operators, designers, builders and suppliers in meeting increasingly sophisticated demands. Newbuild candidates include the first fast-cruising concept vessel built in Germany for a Greek owner; the biggest Australian-built high speed catamaran; and the world’s largest vehicle-capacity cruise ferry, built in Finland for Irish Sea operation.

Among other awards, best technical development has attracted entries from the USA, Russia and Germany for developments in maritime communications, ECDIS operator training and shipboard information/entertainment systems.
State-of-the-art software has also prompted a UK entry in the hotel innovation category - for a passenger handling system which speeds check-in, produces photo ID, monitors “on/off vessel” movements and captures marketing data.

Judging by leading industry representatives will culminate in a gala dinner at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel on May 9. Details and bookings are available via the Cruise+Ferry website.