It has been said that “a ship has a soul”. It is a romantic notion, but one thing is undeniable: there is a lot more to a modern ocean-going vessel than meets the eye. Upholstered cabin furniture, tank monitoring systems, digital nautical charts, fire safety systems, CCTV cameras, laundry equipment, lighting and security solutions – the list goes on. The endless catalogue of accessories and essentials available to the modern shipyard is the backbone of a thriving and highly competitive industry. There some of the most difficult demands of modern seafaring are seeking to be met, whether by conventional or more innovative means.