Bookings for seawork2003 are running 20% ahead of last year's event and the percentage of bookings from existing exhibitors is higher than ever.

In view of current economic uncertainties, this is a real testament to the strength, market delivery and growing reputation of seawork.

seawork2003 Exhibition Manager, Jane Wilson, says, 'Reacting to exhibitor feedback, we have revised the floor plans to create 15% more prime sites but the pressure on better positions means there are very few remaining.

Not only does the industry seem increasingly confident in its prospects over the next few years, it also seems to regard seawork as a major opportunity to reach current and potential customers in a busy, forward looking working environment.'

seawork is unique in providing a waterside location that not only allows visitors to do comparative one stop shopping and testing of a broad range of workboats but it also sets the perfect stage for in-water demonstrations of safety and other equipment.

An impressive collection of boats always gather at the seawork pontoon and the 40 plus vessels expected this year will be as spectacular as ever. Andrews Survey's 50m survey vessel featured on the front cover of this issue will be attendance as will a 42m customs cutter built by the Netherlands' prolific Damen Shipyards. Also expected from Damen is the UKD Sealion the brand new dredging support vessel for UK Dredging. The craft is the first of its type to be completely built at Damen's yard in Romania and will be based at the ABP Port of Southampton where it will also act as the Port's buoy handling vessel. Also representing Dutch boatbuilders will be IHC Delta Shipyards, returning to seawork for a second year. The international flavour of seawork is further amplified by the presence of vessels from Jeanneau of France and Targa from Finland. A most significant debut at seawork2003 will be made by Spain's Arman Shipyards, which will be displaying their boatbuilding and design capabilities for the first time in Britain.

British builders will be at seawork in force, with McDuff Ship Design showing a new 27m research vessel, Gemini Workboats bringing a 12m fast survey vessel and Sean and Keith Strevens of Cheetah Marine using one of their 6.7m GRP catamarans for the daily commute from their Isle of Wight yard.

VT Halmatic's boating presence at seawork2003 will represent a full circle from seawork2002, where a contract was signed with D. Ferran and Sons of Belfast for a 15m steelbuilt general purpose workboat. That 'first in class' vessel from Halmatic is now nearing completion and will be on the seawork pontoon this time around.

Marine engine manufacturers and distributors are always well represented at seawork and EP Barrus will again occupy its familiar quayside location displaying enough engine power to push Britain towards Greenland.

Finning UK will be showing the latest from Caterpillar, with Cummins Diesel, Hamilton Jet UK, Mermaid Marine Engines, MTU and Volvo Penta among the companies showing their latest propulsion technology.

Scania's quayside Champagne Reception for the UK Harbour Masters after their AGM and lunch on Wednesday has become one of seawork's enduring traditions and again takes place amidst a glittering display of marine diesels.

Newer traditions are also growing at seawork and two of them have a point of convergence this year. The introduction of the Innovations Showcase was one of the highlights of seawork2002.

Over 40 examples of the marine industries' best new product developments and innovations were displayed immediately inside the visitor registration area, with fast-tracking directions to the relevant exhibitor. This free showcase for exhibitors will be repeated at seawork2003, this time with an award to recognise the best new product on show to be presented at another new seawork tradition, the Gala Dinner.

Now in its third year, the seawork Gala Dinner again takes place in the sparkling new Friends Provident St Mary's Stadium, home of the high flying Southampton Football Club.

Drinks upon arrival will be followed by an excellent meal with fine wines, the Innovation Award ceremony and an after dinner speaker to amuse exhibitors and their guests.

The event has proven extremely popular in its first two years, providing as it does an opportunity to relax, network and entertain clients in exceptional surroundings. Seating capacity has been boosted some 15% this year to a room capacity of 500, but a third consecutive sell-out is guaranteed and anyone interested in attending should contact the seawork team soon.

As seawork2003 has had an increase in demand for larger stands, the organisers have taken the opportunity to improve the show's entire layout. Opening up the central areas, improving on-site facilities and meeting places, will make it easier for visitors to navigate and result in them spending more time at the exhibition.

In addition to more larger stands, seawork's Small Business Enterprise Zone (SBEZ) has been extended in response to heavy demand and re-positioned to ensure a higher level of passing traffic. The moves are proving popular with exhibitors as the SBEZ is also nearly sold-out.