‘Mariner of the Seas’ to Arrive at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal

BMT Asia Pacific (BMT), a subsidiary of BMT Group Ltd, joined the Cruise industry in Hong Kong this month to celebrate the Asia winter cruising season, with the arrival of voyager-class Mariner of the Seas at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.

The newly opened terminal, designed to accommodate large cruise vessels, is topped by a panoramic rooftop garden and sweeping arches framing the building sited at what was once the tip of a runway of Hong Kong’s previous airport. Sitting dramatically above the completed terminal is a marine radar and encasing shaped radome that supports the harbour’s vessel traffic management system.

BMT is very proud to have been responsible for the turn-key design, fabrication and installation of the unique radome structure, leading an integrated team of BMT experts and specialist subcontractors. Breaking away from the conventional ‘golf ball’ design, the bespoke design complements the sweeping curves and elongation of the cruise terminal’s feature roof.

The radome’s installation took place at the end of 2012 in challenging weather conditions, however, the extensive pre-planning undertaken by all parties allowed for a seamless transfer of the radome on to the tower top. With the lift completed, Dragages Hong Kong, the Design and Build Contractor, was then free to complete the arch that frames the end of the building.

Dr Richard Colwill, Managing Director of BMT Asia Pacific comments: “The installation was a momentous occasion for us and we’d like to thank our customer and all the partners involved for their support in making this happen. With the building now complete, visitors and locals alike can appreciate the stunning vistas of the harbour from a superb vantage point, views which were once only momentarily available in prior years during take-off and landing.”

While unique in its setting the radome’s form may soon be seen elsewhere as BMT has developed the “Sea-Suite” series of houseboats, floating lodges and beach houses from the tooling. Colwill notes: “Having been involved in this structure over the last few years we believed the compelling shape had the opportunity for a second life as the form permits a series of novel spaces. We look forward to the development of these projects, from houseboats and lakeland lodges to resort cabins, marina offices, beach houses, art galleries and other unique commercial spaces.”

[mappress]
BMT, November 21, 2013