Over the exhibition’s 21 years, Seawork has successfully developed sub-sectors such as diving, renewables and RIBs.
In addition to Seawork’s exhibitors supplying directly within the industry, they also supply to vessel and component manufacturers, builders and repairers across adjacent marine sectors, which has driven the need to provide focus in support of these sub-sectors.
New for Seawork 2018 will be a Superyacht Build, Repair and Refit Trail, a Composites Pavilion as well as an enhanced focus on Maritime Training & Skills.
Seawork’s new Superyacht Build, Repair and Refit Trail is being launched as the exhibition is ideally positioned to support the requirements of the complexities of the vessels. These vessels often share the needs of design, propulsion and support, and require a similar skillset from professionals across vessel and port operations, engineering through to commercial diving.
The superyacht build, repair and refit trail will feature representation from naval architects, ship builders and engineers, through to navigation and equipment manufacturers.
The sophisticated materials and techniques used to build large vessels demonstrate a clear overlap between commercial marine and the superyacht sector, as do the designers and builders, who cater for similar challenges whilst developing these complex vessels. Seawork’s international audience encompasses vessel and port operators, through to engineers and commercial divers.
The use of fibre-reinforced polymer composites (FRPs) have already been used successfully in marine applications for several decades in radomes and mass structures. However, there is increasing growth in using FRPs in more innovative ways for less well known applications such as bearings, propellers, commercial hatch covers, exhausts and topside structures.
The global composites materials market is growing at about 5% per year, with carbon fibre demand growing at 12% per year. The many component materials and different processes make composites extremely versatile and efficient, resulting in lighter, stronger, more durable solutions compared to traditional materials.
Seawork’s Maritime Training & Skills Trail enables attendees to explore training, apprenticeships, employment and educational opportunities specifically within the commercial marine sector.
Specialist maritime recruitment companies, education centres and training organisations provide expert advice to attendees regarding entering the industry, and learning, maintaining and developing a successful maritime career.
To help drive young people into the maritime sector, Seawork partners with many educational bodies including The University of Southampton, Solent Education Business Partnership, Portsmouth & East Hampshire Education Business Partnership and The National Oceanographic Centre.
Longstanding Seawork exhibitor, Landau UK, which supplies and fits electronic equipment has unveiled its new electroluminescent marine vessel directional strip lighting, used for both workboats and leisure craft purposes.
Landau UK’s Chief Executive, Ben Metcalfe, comments, ‘We believe exhibiting at Seawork International is one of the most efficient ways for us to hear what commercial marine customers and suppliers might need from us right now. Bringing additional focus to the superyacht sector is ideal for us, as our offerings are used across commercial, leisure and superyacht audiences. It’s also a great platform for us to network with like-minded individuals, showcase our latest products and services and get feedback from purchasers and end users alike.”
The global superyacht market is promising a robust increase of 7.26% CAGR* 2017-2022. with motorised yachts and long-range expedition vessels anticipated to see maximum growth.
Global shipbuilding giant and Seawork exhibitor, Netherlands’ Damen Shipyards, is attracting notable orders for its customised fast crew boat, the 50m FCS 5009, which achieves 27.5kn and seats up to 58 passengers. This versatile vessel delivers military through to superyacht support tender operations; demonstrating the shift where workboat design and build overlaps with the needs of the superyacht sector.
Genuine Marine, headquartered in China, will exhibit at Seawork 2018.
One of Genuine Marine’s specialisations is the manufacture and supply of standard and custom-made EVA fenders for its global world-wide client-base of commercial and leisure craft. James Georgechen, Marketing Director states, “Seawork International is a wonderful event for Genuine Marine to showcase our products, meet quality potential customers and source new products.”
The European shipbuilding industry is leading the world in complex builds of naval craft, workboats, cruise liners, as well as superyachts.
Many Seawork exhibitors including British company, Cox Powertrain, already have clients across commercial marine, military, rescue and superyacht operations, and the move to also include superyacht business by Seawork will be warmly welcomed.
Cox Powertrain is currently developing the world’s highest power density diesel outboard engine, the CXO300, which will be officially launched later this year.
Professional bodies in attendance as part of the extensive worldwide supply chain, include RINA, Shipwrights Associations, International Jack-up Barge Owners Association and UK Maritime Pilots Association. Celebrating its 21st consecutive year, Seawork’s exhibition space and berths bookings are strong, anticipating over 610 exhibitors promoting in excess of 10,500 products and services across the three days of the exhibition. Over 70% repeat exhibitors have been contracted to date, reflecting significant confidence in the marine marketplace.
As 91% of visitors to Seawork authorize or influence purchasing decisions, Seawork is the platform for commercial marine businesses; exhibitors promoting their offerings. Exhibits are showcased across five exhibition halls, extensive waterside exhibits and 890 metres of pontoons, to a global audience of over 7,600 visitors from more than 70 countries.
Seawork International 2018 runs 3-5 July at Mayflower Park in Southampton, UK. Visit seawork.com for latest information and updates.