Martin Bloem, director of the Dutch trade organisation Holland Marine Equipment said, 'We are very pleased to hear that in future years there will be just one internationally orientated exhibition in the Netherlands, in Rotterdam in odd years. This will help to avoid placing an extra burden on the staff and budgets of suppliers to the maritime sector, which is obviously in the interests of the entire industry.'

Auke Heins, communications manager for Ahoy ECEM, told MJ that Europort and Rotterdam Maritime have a 60% commonality of exhibitors.

He said that informal polling of SMM exhibitors indicated broad approval of the move.

Some 30,000m 2of exhibition space is available at the Ahoy facility and there are provisions to add an outdoor pavilion should it be required.

Europort's new owners have yet to decide what the first combined event in Rotterdam will be called but Heins said that whatever was decided would be announced at Rotterdam Maritime this year, which takes place at the Ahoy on 16-20 November. The first combined event will take place at the Ahoy on 1-5 November 2005, moving it forward slightly from traditional Europort dates in order to avoid clashing with the Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS), which remains at the Amsterdam RAI. Ahoy ECEM is in discussion with organisations such as the Central Dredging Association, which has traditionally hosted CEDA Dredging Days within the Amsterdam RAI concurrently with Europort. Heins emphasised that the Ahoy also has comprehensive conference facilities.

Asked if there was concern over removing Europort from the attractions of Amsterdam, Heins said, 'Let every maritime visitor see what we have here.

Rotterdam is a major port of the world, plus it is only 30 minutes up to Amsterdam for those wishing to visit.'

MJ Information No: 19926