There was a real vibrancy to the 14th edition of Seawork.
While the business of maintaining Europe’s marine infrastructure is important work, the prospects surrounding marine renewable energy are proving exciting. By making the most of these opportunities for business, Seawork continues to reinforce its position as Europe’s leading commercial marine exhibition and conference.
This year’s Seawork drew an enthusiastic response from all who attended the three-day event. Held in the ABP Port of Southampton (14-16 June), there were almost 12% more visitors than in the previous year. Of particular significance was the increase in those travelling from overseas. Examples included a party of 12 foreign Naval Attachés from countries including North and South America, Europe and Asia. They were escorted by staff from UK Trade and Investment Defence and Security Organisation (UKTI/DSO) and visited a large number of companies to talk export business, including a trip out on HMS Trumpeter – a 20m Patrol Boat manned by Royal Navy personnel and cadets from Southampton University. Captain IO Kocer, the Turkish Defence and Naval Attaché, said that Seawork was an ideal opportunity to keep abreast of developments in vessels and innovative equipment.
Seawork Innovations Showcase Winners
Vessel Design & Construction: Damen - High Speed Support Vessel 2610
Marine Civil Engineering & Construction: Wave Craft UK - Waveblade PLUS
Marine Equipment, Electronics & Materials: UNIMEC Srl - Sigmadrive
Diving & Underwater Technology: GRP Laminates, MSV Explorer
Safety & Training: EchoPilot – 2D Forward Looking Sonar
Renewable Energy Marine Supply Chain: Houlder Ltd – Turbine Access System (TAS)
Renewable Energy Onboard Generation and Conservation – KPM-Marine – EcoMast wind generator
As a result of ABP investing in the construction of a new cruise terminal, Seawork will take place earlier next year – 22-24 May 2012 – on the same site. The dates for subsequent years are: 11-13 June 2013 and 10-12 June 2014.
