WatMan's Sailing: Engineering Water Solutions for the World's Largest Cruise Ships
As the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, set sail earlier this year, WatMan Engineering stood proud behind its cutting-edge water treatment systems. Delivered in collaboration with Danfoss for Meyer Turku Shipyard and Royal Caribbean Cruises, the project marked a milestone for the Finnish water treatment specialist. From supplying freshwater generation units to potable water treatment systems, WatMan’s role in this iconic vessel underscores its expertise in designing sustainable and energy-efficient water solutions.
Revolutionizing Water Systems at Sea
With over 7,600 passengers and crew aboard, Icon of the Seas operates like a small city. Supplying clean water for this massive population is no small feat. WatMan designed and built a four-train seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) plant, leveraging Danfoss’s high-pressure pumps and energy recovery devices (ERDs).
Highlights:
- Maximum energy efficiency
- Minimum footprint
- Low maintenance
This innovative system delivers unmatched energy efficiency, saving over 50% in energy consumption compared to conventional designs.
Read the Danfoss case article here to learn more about this groundbreaking project.
The seawater’s salinity and the high-pressure requirements are significant challenges. With Danfoss’s energy-efficient components and our tailored system design, we achieved remarkable results—delivering not only energy savings but also reliability and durability.
A Longstanding Partnership
WatMan’s relationship with Meyer Turku Shipyard and Royal Caribbean Cruises spans a decade, beginning with projects for Celebrity Cruises in Germany.
These partnerships have been key in securing contracts for future vessels, including Star of the Seas and a third Icon-class ship already in production. Recently, WatMan signed agreements for a fourth ship, with options for two more.
Engineering Excellence
WatMan’s competitive edge lies in its holistic approach. While high-quality components are vital, integrating every detail into a cohesive, high-performing system is the true differentiator.
“It’s not just one component—it’s the sum of all parts,” Lintujärvi emphasizes. “Every small optimization contributes to the overall efficiency and reliability. Our extensive experience allows us to tailor solutions that significantly reduce energy consumption while meeting complex requirements.”
WatMan’s expertise isn’t limited to cruise ships. Recently, the company completed a highly challenging project for a nuclear power plant in Finland. “We delivered an ultra-clean water treatment unit,” Lintujärvi shares. “It was the most complex system we’ve ever created, requiring a full year of testing. Everything ran smoothly, and the customer felt confident and satisfied. It’s a testament to our team’s knowledge and expertise.”
WatMan’s success lies in offering more than a product. “What our customers truly buy is our competence and experience,” Lintujärvi explains. “They’re investing in the skills of our team.”
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025
As WatMan approaches its 30th anniversary in 2025, the company reflects on its journey from humble beginnings to delivering state-of-the-art water systems for the world’s largest cruise ships.
WatMan has come a long way since its founding in 1995. “So much has changed,” Lintujärvi reflects. “I remember the first cruise vessel we worked on back in 2009. At the time, the units seemed incredibly complex and large, but now they feel like toys compared to what we build today.”
Yet, some things remain constant. “Water is still water,” he adds with a smile. “The chemistry hasn’t changed, and foundational knowledge continues to guide us in everything we do.”