Business thrives at Seawork 2010

Seawork has matured into an important event for the commercial marine sector, not just for networking, but also as a place where contracts are negotiated and signed.

The exhibition this year saw 7,000 visitors, with over 16% from overseas, including a DTI Inward Trade Mission and 32 naval attachés. The largest single day attendance in Seawork's history was recorded on the middle day of the show.

Seawork plays an increasingly strategic part in the European commercial marine industry and attracts a growing number of overseas exhibitors, including the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association and companies from Scandinavia, Spain, Turkey, Australia and India.

The visitor experience was excellent, thanks to much improved on-site parking, high standard catering and exceptional weather. The Gala Dinner at the De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel was a fitting celebration on the evening of Sework's opening day, with 400 guests enjoying a first class evening which included entertainment from Ian Irving, the Variety Club of Great Britain's Captain for 2010, and the presentation of the Seawork Spirit of Innovation Awards.

One of the unique aspects of Seawork is the pontoon, where sixty vessels representing every facet of the commercial marine business were available for demonstration .

The list of contracts secured at the exhibition and the list of vessel sales agreed at Seawork is extensive and includes the purchase by Essex based Red7Marine of the Damen Stan Tug 1405. Isle of Wight based South Boats took a number of new orders for offshore wind farm support vessels and Ray Chuter of Blyth Workcats reported the sale of six boats at Seawork valued at some £2m. Without question, the number and value of Seawork related deals will increase in the period following the event.

With exhibitor numbers exceeding 400, there was a multiplicity of new products to see and evaluate. The Seawork Innovations Showcase attracted nearly 30 entries in five categories, representing all aspects of technology from electronic navigation to renewable power solutions. The overall winner of the Seawork Spirit of Innovation award was Hampshire UK based EchoPilot Marine Electronis Ltd for the world's first real time 3D Forward Looking Sonar.

This year, a Renewable Energy Pavilion made its début. Sponsored by the South East England Development Agency, it provided a platform for visitors to view the extensive plans for offshore wind farms and commercial opportunity. Six other Pavilion and Trail features continued to provide a fast track for visitors wishing to focus on one particular sector in the most time efficient way.

The Small Business Zone once again proved its value. As well as being of outstanding benefit to visitors, it allows the smallest start-up company to exhibit their products and services to a worldwide audience.

Over the three days of Seawork, the conference programme included some 40 sessions, accommodated in two conference rooms and onboard SS Shieldhall, berthed on the quay.

In addition to the Training and Careers Trail, which was supported by the Solent Education Business Partnership, Seawork welcomed two groups of students from local colleges to help fuel new young interest in the industry. Contributing companies included Marine & Industrilal Transmissions, Halyard Marine, South Boats, and Mermaid Engines as well as the Royal Navy, which took students for an outing aboard HMS Ranger, a 20m Fast Patrol Boat of the University Training Fleet.

Words and statistics from Mercator Media, organisers of Seawork International, are amply reinforced by the exhibitors.

Neil Offord, from Red7Marine said, ‘Seawork 2010 definitely exceeded our expectations, we will certainly be returning next year. The exhibition is fantastic for networking and furthering relationships. Seawork increases our profile further each year which is a valuable part of our Seawork experience.’

Seb Freeman, from Golden Arrow said, ‘This has been the best ever Seawork, with visitors of an exceptionally high quality. The organisers have played a blinder and the exhibition has really matured.’

Juan Fargas of Spain's Duarry S.A. added, ' We have had many contacts during Seawork. It was our first participation and it did not fail to meet our expectations. We contacted many potentail interested customers and had many contacts with other exhibitors too. Many people showed their interest in our boat Megatech 12 and we are very satisfied with the results.'

Seawork 2010 certainly delivered for everyone and most of those in attendance agreed they would be back for Seawork 2011.