Building on the presence at seawork2001 of an inward mission of European maritime journalists, the dedicated seawork team's travels to the Europort and METS exhibitions in Amsterdam have resulted in a number of new continental exhibitors for seawork2002.

Among these are the Swedish shipbuilders Dockstavarvet, who have reserved a 16m pontoon berth to exhibit a new police patrol boat, currently being built, which will be launched in May.

Dockstavarvet has selected seawork2002 as the perfect stage for the vessel's public debut. The company has just received an order from the Danish Pilotage Authority for two 13.9m pilot boats with an option for six further units.

The Netherlands' renowned tug and workboat builders IHC Delta will also be prominent among the new exhibitors.

Maritime Craft Services, UK agents for Stemat of Rotterdam, operate from Largs on the Clyde and have far-ranging capabilities.

As first-time exhibitors, they will be promoting their extensive fleet of tugs, workboats, barges and specialist craft.

Jane Wilson, seawork2002 Exhibition Manager, commented, 'This interest in 2002's event makes it clear that the results achieved at the show over the last couple of years have been a major factor in persuading these major European companies to participate. There is a realisation that seawork2002 is now an international forum and the only viable opportunity to see the vessels and new technologies which are taking their place in the civil engineering industry.'

A number of leading British shipyards, many of whom have supported seawork since its inception, will again have their latest newbuilds vying for attention in the Walcon-built seawork2002 marina. Lochin Marine, South Boats, Ribtec and Safehaven are among over 60 exhibitors participating in the Vessel Design and Build section.

Halmatic, of nearby Portchester, celebrate 50 years in the boatbuilding business at sework2002. They will be featuring a new commercial variant of the RTK Marine Logistic Support Boat, the military version of which impressed so many on demonstration rides at last year's event. The 9m craft features an asymmetric narrow tunnel catamaran hull providing an exceptionally seaworthy platform.

Powered by twin Yanmar diesels driving Hamilton waterjets, the vessel has outstanding manoeuvrability and is able to operate in shallow waters.

Tiger Marine will be back at seawork2002 showing a craft built under license by FBM Babcock. It will be one of four built for newly established RNLI rescue stations established on London's River Thames this year in response to the Marchioness disaster.

Also new this year will be the 'seawork Showcase', a special opportunity for exhibitors to highlight new products and technology which have been completed or made their market debut during the last 12 months.

This new feature, recently announced by the seawork2002 Steering Committe and management team, will be located by the event's main entrance and registration area. Visitors will be able to identify items of interest and fast-track their way to the visitor's stand for immediate follow-up. Products, drawings and/or photographs of larger projects will be montaged and presented on a specially designed and built plinth with feature lighting.

The success of last year's inaugural and oversubscribed seawork Dinner heralds a change of venue for the 2002 event. The seawork2002 Dinner will take place at the recently opened Friends Provident St Mary's Stadium, home of the Southampton Football Club. Drinks on the balcony overlooking the floodlit pitch will be followed by an excellent meal and fine wines to be enjoyed in the Mike Channon Suite. After-dinner speaker Martin Nicholls then takes the floor to entertain and amuse exhibitors and their guests.

Island Computer Services of Newport on the Isle of Wight have exhibited at every seawork since its inception. For seawork2002, they will also operate an internet cafe facility for exhibitors, offering full email and internet connections. Fully qualified assistance will be available throughout exhibition hours.