Sun shines on Seawork again

Seawork International, Europe’s largest commercial marine and workboat exhibition, closed on 15th June and was hailed a resounding success. The event’s now almost expected warm, sunny weather saw over 630 exhibitors and 7,000 maritime professionals coming together to meet and do business over the three days in Southampton, UK.

What makes Seawork unique globally is the more than 70 vessels and floating plant are on display, afloat for trial. This year saw the Southampton skyline dominated by the immense 60m x 28m Skylift 3000 jack-up submersible platform being demonstrated by Netherlands-based Ravestein BV.

To help facilitate business, the exhibition hosted a range of complementary activities including the European Commercial Marine Awards, opportunities to see the latest innovations, new equipment and vessel launches in addition to structured networking opportunities and an engaging conference programme.

Seawork 2017 welcomed returning delegations and trade association from UK, Europe and the rest of the world including naval delegations from New Zealand, Bolivia, China and Malaysia, all keen to explore procurement opportunities with Seawork exhibitors worth £millions.

A YEAR FOR ANNIVERSARIES

In addition to Seawork’s own 20th birthday, it was 100 years of business for EP Barrus, a 90th for Damen Shipyards Group and a 50th for USA-based Harken. Barrus’ Tim Hart, commented, “Barrus have exhibited at Seawork since the start, so are also celebrating 20 years (of our) attendence. Seawork gives us two main areas of exposure; the UK MoD and workboat market. We regard this event as our main exhibition of the year.”

The new look European Commercial Marine Awards were also launched this year, with the Innovations Showcase, sponsored by Lloyds Register, receiving over 40 entries. The overall winner of the coveted Spirit of Innovation Award was Blueye Robotics, with its unique, easy to deploy ROV a clear choice for the judges.

Further category awards went to MICAD srl, Dynamic Load Monitoring Ltd, Reygar and Survitec. The Maritime Sustainability Award was presented to French company, CarenEcolo. In recognition of individual contribution, the voted-for 2017 Maritime Professional of the Year was presented to Barry Sales of Cheetah Marine and the Lifetime Achievement Award to soon-to-retire Casper Vermeulen of Damen.

After handing over the Lifetime Achievement award, Andrew Webster of Seawork organisers Mercator Media declared that: "Casper is a very worthy winner of the Seawork European Commercial Marine Lifetime Achievement Award. I was delighted to present it to him. For 20 years he has represented Damen Shipyards with integrity, selling more than 120 vessels into the UK and Eire, and for each of those 20 years he has attended Seawork. He will be greatly missed by all his colleagues and friends.”

Casper himself was unaware that he was going to the receive the award right up until he was introduced to the gathering at the event. Fortunately, as he was already on his way to a Damen-arranged party celebrating his long and illustrious career, he did at least have some suitable words prepared. “It’s the first time in my life I’ve had to give two speeches just ten minutes apart,” he said, followed by, “receiving this is a reward and an honour. It’s a little overwhelming.”

During Seawork Casper received many cards and gifts from members of the UK and Irish maritime industries with whom he has worked with over the years, as well as from many colleagues at Damen. These included the framed text of a speech he delivered some years ago on the delivery of the 80 metre semi-submersible, heavy lift barge Terra Marique to Robert Wynn and Sons, presented to him by Peter Wynn. The organisers of Seawork also gave him a large jug of Pimm’s No.1, a typically British way to celebrate such an occasion!

The Seawork 2017 Conference drew strong audiences and explored numerous topical subjects such as business opportunities, compliance issues and the likely effects or Brexit on business, all hosted by key industry representatives. Andrew Webster, CEO of Fareham, UK based Mercator Media, producer of Seawork and Maritime Journal magazine said, “Seawork has come a long way since its first edition in 1989 but still remains true to its origins in delivering a one-stop-shop for the commercial marine professionals. It has been the genesis of many millions worth of longstanding contracts and contacts. We really look forward to seeing all our exhibitors and visitors again in June 2018.”