SEAWORK PODCAST: On the pontoons with Nigel Thompson
Seawork 2026 was officially a record-breaking event, with more visitors and exhibitors than ever before.
Despite the cool and pretty wet weather, almost 8,000 visitors walked through the doors, and 522 exhibitors representing more than 60 countries had stands.
In this special Seawork podcast, freelance journalist Nigel Thompson recorded a flavour of the event, speaking to vessel operators, equipment makers and other visitors on and off the pontoons.
When the doors had closed and the data collected, record numbers of exhibitors, visitors and award entries had been received, underlining continued confidence in the commercial marine sector despite wider geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
Held at Mayflower Park from 9-11 June, the 27th edition of Europe’s largest on-water commercial marine exhibition featured more than 70 vessels and floating plant displayed alongside an extensive quayside exhibition. Conference rooms and networking spaces remained busy throughout the three-day event.
The exhibition again demonstrated its importance as an annual meeting point for vessel owners and operators, shipbuilders, marine civil engineering contractors, ports, offshore developers, equipment suppliers and service providers.
The day before the main event, Speed@Seawork returned to Cowes on the Isle of Wight, attracting a record number of high-speed craft involved in defence, search and rescue, security and intervention roles. The event brought together manufacturers, operators and government stakeholders for demonstrations and sea trials, reflecting growing demand for specialist fast craft capability.
Exhibitors reported strong levels of activity. James Beale, managing director of anode supplier MGDuff, said the exhibition remained an important opportunity to meet existing and prospective customers from around the world. Russ Chadwick, managing director of stabiliser manufacturer Sleipner, noted increasing interest from both commercial and defence markets.
Innovation remained a central theme, with organisers reporting a record number of entries for the 2026 Seawork Awards. Companies from Europe, Singapore, New Zealand and the United States submitted entries, while new award categories covering autonomous and remote operations and the superyacht sector reflected changing market priorities.
The conference programme addressed many of the issues currently affecting commercial shipping and marine operations, including offshore wind vessel demand, future port infrastructure, decarbonisation, alternative propulsion systems, maritime autonomy, artificial intelligence and GNSS interference. Sessions also considered flood resilience, government maritime strategy, funding mechanisms for greener shipping and wider operational risk.
Away from the exhibition halls, Seawork’s annual Cardboard Boat Regatta attracted a record 22 entries, providing a more informal setting for networking and exhibitor engagement.
