Marbrex, the low-maintenance wall-covering range from Swish Building Products has been used to complete the refurbishment of more than 90 luxury cabins on an exclusive cruise ship.

The Black Watch is a luxury cruise liner operated by the Fred Olsen Shipping Line, which sales around the world from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean.

When the company decided to refurbish a number of the Black Watch’s luxurious cabins it opted for Marbrex instead of traditional tiles because of its easy application, effective thermal properties and durability.


The Marbrex system features tongue and groove joints that are waterproof and do not require grouting. With an open cell structure that helps to insulate the room and reduce condensation it produces an easy to clean surface that does not harbour mould or germs. Marbrex conforms to the General Hygiene Regulations 1995 and also has a Class 1Y fire rating.

The installation work was carried out by Style Ceiling and Wall Systems. The Grimsby-based company carried out the work while the Black Watch was at sea, boarding the ship at Southampton and travelling to Dunkirk and Amsterdam before returning to port at Southampton in order to meet a strict 10-day delivery schedule.

Keith Myers, Managing Director, Style Ceiling and Wall Systems, said: “The job presented its own challenges, not simply just being at sea.

“Ships flex and that means grout cracks, so Marbrex was ideal because the panels retain a slight but important flex to move with the ship.

“Also with the deadline it simply wouldn’t have been possible to refurbish the ship within the deadline.”

(CD/SP)