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Cutting-Edge Technology

New light and sound systems and modern presentation techniques – the KD has upgraded its event ships for the start of the season. At the “Ship Open Day” in Cologne, event professionals were able to get a first-hand impression of the new possibilities on-board while also taking an exclusive look at the renovated excursion ship MS Jan von Werth.

The Köln-Düsseldorfer has developed into a true event professional. In addition to the classic ship tours, it has around 200 of its own events on the programme every year – from the lively Mallorca Party and popular comedy formats to its own concert series. The many charter customers of the KD also know how to appreciate a ship as a floating event location. The event ships are regularly hired for trade fairs, business events or private celebrations.

First rate events require cutting-edge technology. That’s why, in 2019, the KD set up a separate department for event technology. The four-person team around Tim Hilgert took advantage of the winter break to bring the MS RheinEnergie and MS RheinFantasie event ships up-to-date. And to let customers and event professionals convince themselves of the new quality with their own eyes and ears, KD issued an invitation to the “Ship Open Day” on the MS RheinFantasie in spring.

[Translate to Englisch:] Licht und Sound stimmen an Bord

[Translate to Englisch:] Licht und Sound stimmen an Bord

[Translate to Englisch:] Licht und Sound stimmen an Bord

[Translate to Englisch:] Licht und Sound stimmen an Bord

[Translate to Englisch:] Das Charter-Team der KD

Ship open day

In no time at all, the fog machine and LED light show transform the main deck of the event ship into a top-class dance floor on this afternoon. Lights dance over the ceiling and dance floor of the MS RheinFantasie to the beat of the music and light up the fog in all facets of the colour spectrum. The DJ delivers the right sound. Around 250 guests come on-board this day and are fascinated by the light and sound show of the KD event professionals. But it’s not only on the dance floor that there’s a lot to see. On stage, the musical quintet “Forties Finest” presents its versatile repertoire and shows how special a concert on-board a ship can sound.

 

Impressive results

For one year, 46 professionals – from steel constructors to event technicians – worked on the new event technology, processing around five tons of material. 4,500 metres of cable had to be laid and 231 lamps installed. The modern upgrade of its event ships cost the KD around 800,000 euros. The new technology not only enables spectacular effects. Light, sound and video are controlled completely digitally and can thus be individually harmonised. The use of LEDs saves a lot of energy and also reduces the heat below deck, which develops quickly when a large crowd is partying.

The KD event technology department has not only upgraded the MS RheinEnergie and MS RheinFantasie. With a large stock of sound, light and video material, the eleven other ships in the fleet can also be transformed into a special concert or party location. The right DJ can also be booked directly via the event department. And today, while the band and the light show are delivering an outstanding performance, there is also plenty of time for the guests to chat with the technicians and, of course, with the KD’s long-standing charter team, over finger food and refreshments. “With the new event technology department and our experienced charter service, we can provide our customers with the perfect implementationand support for their event from a single source,” says Andreas Albani, head of the KD charter team.

 

The KD event technology department has not only upgraded the MS RheinEnergie and MS RheinFantasie. With a large stock of sound, light and video material, the eleven other
ships in the fleet can also be transformed into a special concert or party location. The right DJ can also be booked directly via the event department. And today, while the band and the light show are delivering an outstanding performance, there is also plenty of time for the guests to chat with the technicians and, of course, with the KD’s long-standing charter team, over finger food and refreshments. “With the new event technology department and our experienced charter service, we can provide our customers with the perfect implementation and support for their event from a single source,” says Andreas Albani, head of the KD charter team.

 

Hardly recognizable: the MS Jan von Werth

Despite the drizzling rain, many curious guests brave the elements to make their way to the MS Jan von Werth, which also lies anchored. The popular Cologne excursion ship was completely
renovated in winter and is providing an exclusive preview of its new look to the invited guests before the start of the season. A combination of light and dark materials and a new lighting system create a modern and elegant atmosphere.

 

Tree questions to Tim Hilgert, Head of new Event Technology Department

What’s special about the new event technology?

The event technology now functions completely digitally – whether it’s light, sound or video. This enables us to respond even more flexibly to customer wishes, achieve a higher quality and create more scope for creativity. We also rely completely on LEDs. This not only reduces energy consumption, but also heat generation, which should not be underestimated on stages. Not only the event technology is new, but also the corresponding department that you head.

What are the advantages for charter customers?

It means we are streamlining channels. The customer benefits from a complete package and receives everything from a single source: The consultation from the charter team including the associated technology is supplied directly by the KD.

Which event at KD poses the biggest challenge from your point of view?

Concert events like the new format “Konzertkahn” or a charter like the Amphi-Festival are an exciting challenge from a technical perspective. Whenever the focus is on the stage, it gets tough. But the “Konzertkahn” is also my favourite event, because this is the first time we’ve organised the concerts ourselves.

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