Seawork 2012 reflects a buoyant industry

As well as representation from every corner of the UK, there was an in international visitors, which included those from Australia, Canada, China, Pakistan, Nigeria, the Russian Federation and the USA, plus a significant contingent from across Europe and Scandinavia.

Seawork, which celebrated its 15th year in 2012, is now firmly established as a one-stop-shop for the international commercial marine industry.

The exhibition continues to succeed in attracting professional members of the commercial marine industry with nearly 50% of visitors citing “to see new products” as the reason for their visit and 52% visiting to “meet customers and suppliers.”

The Quayside, with a host of exhibits including live demonstrations in the DiveTank, and access to 300m of pontoon packed with nearly 60 craft – from a Dutch built 32m catamaran to a 3.65m fast response craft – proved particularly popular.

Inside, the two exhibition halls with special features including the Renewable Energy Pavilion, Maritime Security Pavilion and Innovations Showcase also hummed with activity.

Orders placed at the exhibition this year included a CTruk Boats order for five vessels including four multi-purpose catamarans and a Buckie Shipyard order for two offshore support vessels.

Engine manufacturers were also smiling – Scania sold two D16M 16 litre marine engines for use on a new passenger carrying catamaran to be operated by Solent & Wightline Cruises.

OSBIT Power announced the sale of its first MaXccess system to improve the safe transfer of service specialists onto offshore wind turbines to Siemens.

At the close of the final day of the exhibition, Andrew Webster, managing director of Seawork organiser Mercator Media, commented: “The emergence world-wide of the offshore renewable energy industry has contributed to the growth of the commercial marine industry but Seawork continues to reflect the industry in its entirety. The diversity of exhibitors at Seawork and the positive feedback we’ve received strongly indicates that the sector remains active and healthy.”

The range of companies involved in the industry was reflected by the 30 entries in the Seawork 2012 Innovations Showcase. Winners were announced at the Innovation Awards Dinner on Tuesday 22 May with the prestigious Spirit of Innovation Trophy going to the hand-held laser technology Odeo Flare from Index Marine.

Mr Kommer Damen, Chairman of Netherlands-based Damen Shipyards Group, was awarded the first Lifetime Achievement Award at the Seawork Innovation Awards Dinner in recognition of his initiatives which, since 1969, have transformed a company of six employees into a global concern with more than 6,000 employees in 35 countries.