Greece has consistently been one of the top destinations for international yachting, attracting vessels that seek not only stunning seas but also comfort, safety, and high-quality services. In this context, Alkyonis Co. stands out as a company with over 30 years of experience in insulation technology, fire protection, and acoustic solutions for yachts, commercial, and military ships. Manolis Kouremetis, the Director of Project Management and Design, talks to us about the latest trends in maritime technology, the challenges of modern vessels, and the company’s ongoing efforts to provide solutions that combine safety, comfort, and sustainability. This discussion reveals how expertise and innovation can make a real difference in the world of yachting.
Your company has been active in marine insulation for over 30 years. How has technology in this field evolved over time?
When we started, insulation solutions in the maritime sector were relatively simple, mainly relying on traditional materials such as mineral wool and basic fire-resistant solutions. Today, however, technology has advanced significantly, both in terms of materials and application methods. Modern insulation systems offer higher thermal and acoustic performance, greater resistance to marine corrosion and vibrations, while also being lighter and more durable in demanding maritime environments. This evolution is particularly important for modern ships and large yachts, which require high performance, where every kilogram of weight and every centimeter of space matters.
Comfort is increasingly important on modern luxury yachts. How critical is proper thermal and acoustic insulation for the onboard experience?
Comfort is now a fundamental element in designing a modern yacht, and therefore thermal and acoustic insulation play a crucial role in passenger experience. Owners and guests seek an environment that provides tranquility, high living standards, and consistent temperatures throughout the vessel. Proper insulation contributes not only to noise reduction from engines and machinery but also to improving the vessel’s energy efficiency. This ensures better operation of HVAC systems and a pleasant stay for passengers, even during long journeys.
In recent years, many vessels have undergone upgrades and technical improvements. Are you seeing increased demand for such work?
Yes, we have observed a clear increase in demand for refits and technical upgrades. Many vessels, especially larger yachts, invest in modernizing their systems to improve energy efficiency, comfort, noise reduction, and safety. In many cases, owners want to upgrade insulation, acoustic systems, and/or fire protection to meet current standards and new technologies, enhancing the overall quality of the passenger experience aboard their yachts.
The Mediterranean is one of the key destinations for yachting. How do you see the market evolving in the coming years?
The Mediterranean remains one of the most important destinations for international yachting, combining unique locations, favorable climate, extensive coastlines, and suitable infrastructure. I believe that in the coming years, with a focus on high-quality services and proper infrastructure management, we will see even greater growth in these destinations. At Alkyonis, considering the technical aspects and the longer seasonal use of yachts compared to the past, we anticipate an increase in maintenance and technical support services as well. This, in turn, presents significant growth opportunities for technical companies in the sector, especially for those investing in expertise, innovation, and service quality.
Your company has experience with both commercial ships and luxury yachts. What are the main differences in technical requirements between these two types of vessels?
Safety is a non-negotiable requirement for both categories. For both commercial ships and luxury yachts, insulation solutions must meet strict international standards for fire safety, thermal, and acoustic protection, ensuring reliable vessel operation and the safety of passengers and crew. However, in luxury yachts, the technical approach becomes more complex. Beyond basic safety requirements, we need to combine multiple parameters, such as high levels of acoustic comfort, space and weight constraints, and the integration of insulation materials into highly demanding architectural and aesthetic environments. This means that insulation on yachts is not merely a technical application but part of a more sophisticated design requiring specialized expertise and meticulous attention to detail to achieve the optimal result on all levels.
In recent years, shipping has placed increasing importance on environmental protection and energy efficiency. How do these developments affect the solutions you provide?
Indeed, the maritime industry is clearly moving toward more sustainable practices, emphasizing the reduction of environmental impact and improving ships’ energy efficiency. This directly affects the materials and insulation solutions used.
A properly designed insulation system can reduce energy consumption, improve HVAC system performance, and better regulate machinery heat. Maintaining stable interior temperatures reduces energy requirements, and minimizing thermal losses helps manage heat efficiently, positively impacting overall energy efficiency. At Alkyonis, we closely follow international trends and select products that are as environmentally friendly as possible without compromising safety or performance. Additionally, we collaborate with specialized international companies that develop and produce modern, eco-friendly insulation materials that meet the growing demands of contemporary shipping. This allows us to offer solutions that combine high technical performance, compliance with international standards, and respect for the environment.
Fire protection and safety are particularly important on board. What are the biggest technical challenges in this field today?
Fire protection is one of the most critical areas in ship design and construction, as the safety of passengers, crew, and installations is always the top priority and is governed by strict international regulations. One of the major technical challenges is combining high safety standards with other key factors, such as weight, functionality, and-especially for yachts-aesthetic requirements. Fire protection and insulation solutions must be integrated harmoniously into complex architectural and design environments without compromising comfort or aesthetics. The challenge, therefore, lies in achieving an optimal balance between strict fire safety compliance and the technical and design requirements of modern vessels. Meeting this goal requires careful material selection, installation expertise, and full adherence to international safety regulations.
Many tasks on vessels must be completed within very tight timeframes. How important are experience and organization for a technical team in such cases?
Experience and proper organization of a technical team are crucial. On many projects, particularly yachts, timelines are extremely tight, and schedules are demanding. In this environment, team organization, technician experience, and effective coordination with other project crews are essential for smooth and timely completion. At Alkyonis, after decades in the industry, we have developed high flexibility and adaptability to project requirements, always maintaining high-quality standards without compromising the level of service.
You have completed projects in various countries.
Are there differences in requirements between shipyards and clients in different regions?
Yes, there are differences, as each shipyard and market has its own requirements and operating methods. Large shipyards abroad, in particular, operate with very high standards and expect the same level of professionalism, reliability, and technical expertise from their partners. Emphasis is also placed on meeting strict schedules, quality of work, and compliance with international standards and project specifications. Our experience across different countries allows us to meet the requirements of each shipyard and client while ensuring consistently high quality and reliability.
Materials and technologies are constantly evolving. Which new solutions do you think will play a significant role on vessels in the coming years?
Materials and technologies are continuously evolving, significantly impacting the shipbuilding industry. In the coming years, we expect further development of materials that combine high performance with lower weight and higher environmental standards. The development of modern, eco-friendly materials is already influencing shipyards’ and owners’ choices. Additionally, new coating and composite technologies are emerging, offering improved thermal and acoustic performance, contributing to energy efficiency and enhancing comfort onboard. Continuous monitoring of new technologies and collaboration with specialized international suppliers are key factors in providing solutions that meet modern maritime demands.
Greece has a strong presence in shipping. Do you think it can further develop in the field of technical services for yachts?
Greece has long had a strong presence in international shipping and significant expertise in the broader maritime sector. In recent years, there has been growing interest in technical services related to yachts, as the Mediterranean is one of the main destinations for these vessels.
There are therefore significant prospects for further development, particularly for companies investing in specialization, service quality, and continuous technical training of their workforce. With proper organization, knowledge enhancement, and infrastructure improvement, Greece can further strengthen its position in technical services for yachts.
What is Alkyonis Co.’s vision for the coming years, and what are the main goals you have set?
Our vision is to continue growing dynamically in maritime insulation, further strengthening our presence in both the Greek and international markets while maintaining the quality and reliability that have characterized our company for decades.
At the same time, our priority is the continuous development of our technical team and the use of modern technologies and innovative materials to meet the ever-increasing demands of contemporary shipping. Our goal is to be a reliable partner for shipyards, owners, and vessel management companies, providing comprehensive insulation solutions that combine technical excellence, innovation, and rapid response to the needs of each project.
