German owners have deep experience in container shipping. Many large boxships continue operating after upgrades to engines, energy-saving systems and communications. However, because of their build age, interior safety markings on these ships often still rely on painted arrows and non-luminous metal plates, which are almost useless during night-time patrols or sudden blackouts.
Instead of removing old plates and drilling new holes, many owners prefer an “overlay upgrade” approach. Upgraded IMO luminous markings based on 0.62 / 1.24 m × 45.7 m luminous rolls can be applied directly over existing plates, bulkheads or handrails. 5 cm / 10 cm luminous tapes are used to create continuous foot lines and handrail lines along main corridors and stairs. In critical areas such as engine rooms, pump rooms and CO₂ rooms, standard IMO symbols cut from the rolls are placed over existing plates, creating a “graphics by day, glow by night” effect.
The luminous film uses a 240 μm PVC structure with pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive, accommodating vessel vibration and temperature changes. After a short charging period, it glows for hours in the dark, and its brightness and decay characteristics meet IMO requirements for luminous signs. By applying these overlays in phases during planned maintenance or port stays, German owners can enhance interior luminous signage across the entire ship without disrupting main route operations, improving night-time visibility and overall safety image.