Turkish delights at Europort Istanbul

This will be the 10th time that the maritime exhibition has been held and it has proved itself to be the most significant business platform for the ship building industry in Turkey. Some 530 national and international brands will be represented at Europort Istanbul 2009, providing a showcase for both shipyards and suppliers.

Serkan Tiglioglu, managing director of NTSR in Turkey said, ‘Ship building in our country is making rapid progress and Europort Istanbul 2009 focuses on the need to do business on an international level, making new contacts and getting orders. Interest in participation increases every year and the outlook for Europort Istanbul 2009 is also very promising. Thanks to the extra hall (3,000 m2) which we are adding to the exhibition area, we now have a total of over 17,000 m2 available to us. We need this space for our loyal participants as well as for many newcomers.’

Jack Kobelt from Kobelt Manufacturing added, ‘We have been exhibiting at Europort in Holland and Istanbul for many years. We find Europort the most rewarding exhibition pertaining to work boats, government ships and boats. We find the clientele far more responsive than any other boat show catering to the same marine sector.’

At Europort Istanbul 2007, trade visitors originated from as many as 35 countries. As a result, Europort Istanbul has a strongly international character that reaches further than just Turkey and also focuses on the surrounding countries. Western European and Asian countries also realise that they can no longer ignore Turkey now that the country has rapidly taken 5th position in the worldwide ship building industry.

The support of international associations has resulted in a record number of country pavilions for Europort Istanbul 2009. Reservations are in place from Denmark, France, Korea, The Netherlands, Norway, Romania and the UK. John Southerden from the British Marine Equipment Association said, ‘Europort Istanbul is the perfect opportunity to increase existing cooperation and make new contacts in the Turkish maritime sector.’

The list of large companies that have already confirmed their individual participation includes Germanischer Lloyd AG, Heinen Hopman, Hempel, Jotun, Kral AG, MTU, Niveko (Mak and Caterpillar), PE-GU (Sandfirden, Scania, Sisu diesel, Becker, Thordon, Westfalia, Reijntjes, Rolls-Royce, Siemens, Ulstein and Wartsila.