Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) has announced the launch of a new Cruise Centre of Excellence in Miami, to connect customers with local proximity to a global network of BV experts dedicated to supporting operators as they navigate increasingly complex market environments.
This cruise hub joins BV’s network of centres of excellence across sectors including gas (Doha) and offshore (Singapore, Shanghai, and Kuala Lumpur). With the launch of the dedicated cruise centre of excellence, BV says it is positioned to support clients in turning ambitious concepts into viable designs, as well as helping operators to navigate evolving market requirements whilst improving performance throughout the life of their assets.
BV has long experience within the cruise sector and supports some of the largest cruise operators across a range of specialisms. Its expertise spans decarbonisation strategies, from wind propulsion to bio-LNG capability for large cruise ships, alongside advisory services covering fire safety, lifeboat arrangements, evacuation analysis, and smoke and fire propagation simulations. The centre will provide expertise in emerging technologies, digitalisation and cybersecurity to support future-ready cruise operations.
Alex Gregg-Smith, BV President Marine & Offshore, said: “Cruise companies operate some of the most sophisticated businesses in the world. As the industry evolves, the launch of BV’s cruise centre of excellence helps stakeholders navigate today’s challenges and shape tomorrow’s opportunities. It reflects BV’s long-term investment in the future of the cruise industry and our ambition to help shape its future. By connecting people, knowledge and capabilities from across our organization, we are helping build safer, more sustainable, and more efficient cruise operations, enabling operators to focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional experiences and creating lasting memories for their guests.”
Recent examples of BV’s capabilities within the cruise sector range from providing dedicated monitoring and validation support to MSC Cruises to secure independent verification and flag state recognition of actual methane emissions from its vessels, MSC World Europa and MSC Euribia to support FuelEU Maritime compliance. Furthermore, BV has partnered with Brittany Ferries and Adrena to demonstrate fuel savings of up to 6% through the deployment of an advanced digital twin-enabled routing solution.
In addition, BV says it is at the forefront of advancing wind propulsion technologies and enabling their adoption across the maritime sector. Recently, it provided classification services to support the delivery of the 220m Orient Express Corinthian, which represents the world’s largest sailing cruise ship. Equipped with three rigid sails with a total sail area of approximately 4,500m2, BV provided design review and construction surveying services, whilst also conducting noise and vibration measurements via BV’s advisory services.
Working closely with operators, designers, shipyards and industry stakeholders, the centre brings together expertise from across the Bureau Veritas group, connecting capabilities that span ships, ports, terminals, infrastructure and the wider cruise ecosystem. This integrated approach enables BV to support clients across the entire value chain, from concept development and design through to operations and the guest experience, helping transform ambitious ideas into successful and memorable voyages, while building the trust behind every journey.
Image: BV has established a cruise centre in Miami (source: Bureau Veritas)
