The world’s first full-scale ship racing track is now on the water, part of a project that got the most out of German go-kart tech specialist RiMO Supply and Dutch bridge specialist Bolidt for the owner Norwegian Cruise Line.
Some 230m of track was fabricated using Bolideck Racetrack, a synthetic material based on established road surfacing technology. The revolutionary delivery was made possible by the great flexibility and wear resistance qualities of the product, which will allow 20 karts on board to run on its non-slip surface at all times.
RIMO designed the track to NCL specifications and Bolidt worked with them to determine where the markings in the Bolideck Racetrack system needed to go, and how the deck finish would be refined under the side skirts and against the edges of the track in steel. The complete project involved the delivery of approximately 1350m2 of Bolideck Racetrack.
The race track is located on the ship’s upper decks, 18 and 19, and includes an observation deck, covered pit lane, workshop, storage room, timing system and floodlights. RiMO also supplied the electric racing karts which will use special technology to ensure their proper functioning in the very special conditions encountered at sea, with high levels of UV and salt water exposure.
Norwegian Joy, which can accommodate up to 4,200 passengers, is due to be handed over to NCL by Meyer Werft in late April. It is the first cruise ship built by NCL specifically for the Chinese market, and its home port will be in Shanghai and Tianjin. Its inaugural cruise is scheduled to begin in June of this year.
