Silja Lines MS Silja Europa
On-Site Application on TUI Cruises Mein Schiff
P&O Cruises MV Ventura
Silja Lines MS Silja Europa
Marine Vessels
There is a solution to dirty marine glass! Ritec offer cruise lines, ferry companies, super yacht owners, shipyards, and ship window / balcony manufacturers a complete and unique service that helps glass on marine vessels looking like new, whilst reducing water and crew time requirements for its cleaning, and maximising passenger satisfaction.
On exterior glass, ClearShield®:
improves visibility and appearance for increased passenger satisfaction
makes cleaning easier and more effective
resists staining by saltspray
reduces cleaning frequency, especially in areas difficult to access
Recommended for glass surfaces on the bridge, lounge, canopies, deck lido, poolside surround glass and more.
On interior glass, ClearShield®:
resists staining and discolouration
resists limescale build-up in shower and spa areas
improves passenger satisfaction
reduces frequency of cleaning
Recommended for glass surfaces in cabins including shower enclosures, spas, and on all types of decorative / sandblasted glass.
Unique technology and service: ClearShield® Protection prior to maiden voyage
The contamination of glass surfaces starts long before the ship’s maiden voyage. The construction process is very aggressive to glass, in spite of protective films being used. Glue left over by those films, paint deposits, silicone sealants and deposits of mineral salts create a cocktail of contamination that all contribute to stained and dirty glass, and create higher costs for ship yards and cruise lines.
Ritec’s ClearShield Eco-System® for the renovation, protection and maintenance of glass ensures all windscreens, balconies, cabin windows and all public areas are clean and transparent for the ship’s maiden voyage, and remain that way in the future. It is a green technology that reduces energy and water use and avoids the use of harsh and polluting cleaning agents.
Ritec Marine Services, based in the Netherlands, is Ritec International's experts in renovating, protecting and maintaining marine glass. Their teams of highly-trained and experienced applicators are brought in during the final phase of construction of the cruise ship. They carry out a specialist deep clean to remove all glue, paint, silicone sealants and mineral salts deposits, regaining the ‘as-new’ appearance, sparkle and transparency of the glass.
The glass is then protected to ensure it remains that way for as long as possible. At sea, and especially during the inauguration voyage, crew members may spend less time cleaning glass, using less water doing so. Passengers can take in the amazing views.
Glass Renovation
Glass already contaminated is renovated whilst the ship is in port or dry dock, fitting in with normal operating and maintenance schedules. This process removes all contaminants that have not yet etched the glass during the corrosion process. The surface is restored to a pristine ‘as-new’ appearance, ready for the application of ClearShield® to upgrade it to ClearShield Eco-Glass®.
Marine Case Studies
MV Britannia
P&O Cruises
The largest addition to the P&O Cruises fleet, Britannia, has set sail with its extensive glass elements protected from the harsh effects of the marine environment thanks to Ritec Marine Services, a subsidiary of Ritec International Ltd.
The £473m ship is the latest in a long list of cruise ships to be treated with the award-winning ClearShield Eco-System® which upgrades the glass to ClearShield Eco-Glass® that provides protection from sea spray and other corrosive elements.
A team of Ritec Applicators from the Netherlands travelled to Italy to treat over 14,700m² of glass on board. This included all the windows, sliding doors, cabin glass and other exterior glass which all needs to maintain a clean, sparkling appearance and optimal vision for greater viewing pleasure. In addition, ClearShield® has been used to keep the ship’s bridge glass clean whilst at sea which is vital for safety, especially in inclement weather and high sea states.
Photo: Brian Burnell / CC BY-SA 3.0
MS Royal Princess
Princess Cruises
The MS Royal Princess is the fifteenth Princess Cruises ship to be treated with ClearShield®, providing proven and effective protection for glass from sea spray and other corrosive elements.
The application was carried out by specialists Ritec Marine Services based in the Netherlands, a subsidiary of Ritec International. Over 15,500m² of glass on board was treated. This included the soaring glass atrium, an impressive glass walkway, cabin windows and other exterior glass surfaces.
In 2013, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge christened the ship in Southampton, UK and praised its evolutionary design and use of glass.
Photo: Barry Skeates / CC BY 2.0
Fullers Ferries Fleet
New Zealand
After experiencing disappointing and unsuccessful trials with what is sometimes referred to as ‘nanotechnology’, Fullers Ferries were approached by ClearShield Auckland in 2011 who brought them the solution they had been looking for.
Over 4,000m² of glass on their entire fleet of 15 vessels have since been renovated and protected with the award-winning ClearShield® protection, upgrading it to 'non-stick', easy-clean ClearShield Eco-Glass®.
A very successful trial proved that not only did the ClearShield Eco-System® restore the ‘as-new’ appearance of the glass without the need for costly replacement, but it kept it that way year after year to the great satisfaction of passengers, crew and owners alike. The result was uninterrupted clear views for the passengers, greater safety on-board for crew, lower maintenance costs and an improved presentation for the Fullers Fleet. In addition, ClearShield Eco-Glass® does not require harsh cleaning agents for a better environment.