Seawork is set to stage its largest-ever exhibition in 2027, with strong exhibitor demand reinforcing its position as Europe’s leading commercial marine and workboat exhibition.
More than 60% of exhibitors from this year’s event have already secured their place for Seawork 2027, despite the exhibition being more than 10 months away. The early commitment comes as organisers prepare to expand Hall 3 by almost 20%, making the 28th edition of the exhibition the biggest in its history.
Overall rebookings are running 10% ahead of the equivalent point for the 2026 event, even though the rebooking deadline was brought forward to accommodate increasing demand from prospective new exhibitors.
According to organisers Mercator Media, the continued growth follows a record-breaking 2026 exhibition, which welcomed more than 100 first-time exhibitors – a 25% increase on the previous year. The trend, they say, reflects Seawork’s growing importance as a business platform for the commercial marine sector.
The enlarged Hall 3 will once again feature a series of specialist industry pavilions, including the Workboat Association, Underwater Intervention, British Superyacht and the Autonomous & Remote-Operated Vessel Pavilions, showcasing the latest advances in marine technology.
The hall will also host industry hubs for the Society of Maritime Industry and British Marine, alongside the HM Government Zone, providing a dedicated space for marine businesses to engage with UK government departments, agencies and defence procurement teams.
Fay Reeve, Seawork Exhibition Manager at Mercator Media, said: “There is a clear and growing increase in demand for exhibition space at Seawork, with interest already looking likely to exceed the growth we experienced this year.
“At Seawork 2026 we welcomed more than 100 businesses and organisations exhibiting for the first time, and we expect to see a similar pattern in 2027.
“Seawork is Europe’s leading annual commercial marine and workboat exhibition, attracting visitors from more than 60 countries. It remains an essential business platform for companies across the global commercial marine industry.”
Beyond the exhibition itself, Seawork continues to deliver a significant economic contribution to the region. Independent assessments estimate the event generates between £9 million and £11 million annually for the local economy.
Its impact also extends across the Solent through Speed@Seawork, the high-speed vessel showcase taking place in Cowes on 14 June 2027, the day before the main exhibition opens. The event is expected to attract around 200 senior delegates and feature 20 advanced high-speed craft.
Seawork 2027 will take place at Mayflower Park, Southampton, from 15–17 June, with shoreside exhibition halls complemented by an extensive on-water display of commercial vessels berthed on adjacent pontoons.
For booking information and everthing else you need to know about Seawork, visit the site here.
