Stage Technologies, the London-based systems specialist, has been awarded the contract to supply rigging systems for the Grand class of ships now being built for P&O Princess Cruises by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan. Stage Technologies will supply nearly 100 axes of automation, both mechanical and electrical systems, which will be installed in three venues. Rigging systems will include 26 flying bars, four stage lifts, and 16 curtain tracks. Control systems will include Stage Technologies’ Acrobat, Juggler, and Solo consoles.
According to Mark Ager, Stage Technologies managing director, ‘We are very excited to receive this order, which confirms Stage Technologies as a major supplier of automation systems to the cruise ship industry.”
The company has previously provided control systems for eight cruise ships, including the original Grand Princess, as well as ships for Carnival Cruise Lines and Star Cruises. It recently completed installation of control and flying systems for the new Golden Princess and also has orders for similar systems on ships in the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy and the Chantiers de L’Atlantique yard in France, where the company acts as a subcontractor with Harbour Marine Systems. Also, the company has orders for control systems on more Carnival Destiny-class ships, in conjunction with Harbour Marine Systems, and Star-class ships, with Wagner Biro.
Matthew Tonks, who recently joined Stage Technologies as project manager, says, “We look forward to working with [Mitsubishi] on this project and together delivering the best theatre afloat to P&O Princess Cruises.”