GNV Rhapsody

Project - GNV Rhapsody

Wireless access control during navigation: the GNV Rhapsody project

HCS Group installed the HCS NEXUS wireless access control system across 550 cabins aboard the GNV Rhapsody, distributed over seven decks — without cabling, without operational interruptions and while the vessel remained fully operational.

The project
The project builds on a long-standing collaboration: GNV had already adopted HCS Group wireless automation solutions on other vessels within its fleet. For the Rhapsody project, a custom HCS NEXUS device was specifically developed to meet the requirements of the marine environment and fully integrated with the client’s visual identity.

The challenge
An operating vessel represents one of the most complex environments for any technological installation: limited technical spaces, environments distributed across multiple decks and continuous onboard operations. In this case, the challenge was even greater: the installation had to be completed during navigation, without interfering with onboard services or the passenger experience.

Contacts

The solution: NEXUS wireless architecture
HCS NEXUS eliminates the structural limitations typical of traditional access control systems. Its fully wireless architecture requires no cabling between cabins and decks, enabling fast and non-invasive installation while adapting seamlessly to the vessel without altering existing structures. The devices were also customized to integrate perfectly with both the onboard environments and the client’s visual identity.

The installation
The installation was carried out progressively, cabin by cabin, without interrupting onboard operations or passenger services. Thanks to wireless technology, operational times were significantly reduced, ensuring precision, efficiency and continuity even while the vessel remained fully operational during navigation.

The result
550 cabins installed across seven decks, zero operational interruptions and reduced installation
times. Today, the HCS NEXUS system is fully operational aboard the GNV Rhapsody and represents a
scalable solution ready for deployment across the entire GNV fleet.