Rotterdam hosts leading maritime event

2013 sees the return of Europort, one of the world’s leading maritime events, from 5 to 8 November 2013. Over 30,000 maritime professionals from more than 90 countries will meet at Ahoy in Rotterdam, the Netherlands to present, discuss and share information on innovative technology and smart solutions.

”Around 1,000 exhibitors will be present during Europort”, states an understandably proud Raymond Siliakus, exhibition manager of the event. ”We have over 40,000 m2 exhibition space divided over ten halls. Central themes for the event are cost efficiency, innovation, durability and human capital as we are looking for future pioneers to settle within the maritime industry. There is a specific programme for students, including an exposition of cases students have completed, which will be presented in the theatre. Young professionals are an important part of Europort and as such we are in good contact with universities and companies to create contact possibilities between these three during the show.” Furthermore, Europort is known for its focus on advanced technology especially in regards to complex and special purpose vessels.

Along with exhibitors such as DutchWorkboats to MARIN and SKF Marine Industry and a host of others from construction vessels, dredging, fishery, inland navigation, mega yachts, naval specials, offshore, sea shipping and workboat industries, Europort truly offers a sea of possibilities for companies, (young) professionals, students and visitors alike. Europort also boasts 16 international pavilions including the Maritime by Holland pavilion which has 37 participating companies present. One of these companies is Discom, a noise, emission and heat solutions company, and general manager Arjan Wijnberg explains why they are, again, part of the Maritime by Holland pavilion: ”Our past experiences with the Maritime by Holland pavilion have been such that we are taking part again this time. Everything is so well organised. During Europort our aim is to speak to – prospective – customers and to showcase our products. We want to solidify our company name and introduce our new water-cooled exhaust valve. Furthermore we are proud participants in the Green Route, so we hope this will create more traffic to our booth.”

Europort offers several extra events as well as the exhibitions space. The first being the Mare Forum, which will be held on 5 November. Mare Forum Conference focusses on current and future trends in the shipping and offshore markets, trends in shipbuilding, new vessel types, new fuels, sustainability and eco ships, innovation and investment opportunities. Siliakus comments: ”The Mare Forum is a well-known event for ship owners across the world and we are expecting around 300 participants this year.”

Another inspiring event are the Advanced Technology Conferences. You can find more detailed information on this event on page 72. Returning again on 6 and 7 November is the IMO Ballast Water Management Conference. And last, but certainly not least is the CEDA Dredging Forum to be held on 7 November. The programme will consist of two sessions, each addressing a very timely topic: Working under exotic circumstances’ and ‘Large marine infrastructure projects and the EU Habitats Directive: Lessons learned’.

As sustainability is still a keyword within the maritime industry, Europort has special focus on the Green Route which was first organised in 2009 and has proven to be a valuable tool to showcase the latest sustainable solutions for the maritime industry. Siliakus explains: “Companies can apply to become part of the Green Route. All applications were taken into consideration and a special committee has ascertained if a company can be a part of this route.” More information on the Green Route can be found further on in the special 78.

Join the maritime industry from 5 to 8 November, with all the exhibitors, visitors and events it has many possibilities and will not disappoint.

Rebecca McFedries