Seawork 2015 roundup

Seawork 2015 has closed its doors on its eighteenth year having been hailed a resounding success. With over 600 exhibitors and over 10,000 products and services on offer, international, national and local exhibitors experienced unparalleled levels of interest from all areas from the commercial maritime sector.

From shipbuilding, to diving, to wind farm operations, through to maritime security and careers, the exhibition delivered the perfect platform for a host of offerings unmatched by any other European event.

International delegations were in attendance, from Brazil, the US and China. In association with the UKTi, Seawork hosted a series of meetings throughout the week, which were arranged with many UK South Coast exhibitors. Previous years have seen numerous deals and collaborations formed following these meetings and this year is no exception.

The Seawork Conference vessel, the Ocean Scene witnessed jam-packed seminar sessions, with particular interest in the Solent Offshore Renewable Energy Consortium ‘Meet the Buyer’ event, which attracted over 200 people.

Long-time exhibitor at Seawork, Ian C Darley has been in business for 41 years and now has three generations of his family involved. The company celebrated at Seawork an exchange of contracts with Falmouth Harbour Commissioners.

Smart Surfaces and Blyth Workcats announced the first use in the UK of a remarkable silicone antifouling savings.

First time exhibitors Lewmar Marine used Seawork to launch itself into the commercial marine sector, announcing its new custom glass plant as well as the new hatch range, which is ideally suited to the wind farm service vessel (WFSV) market.

Humphree AB launched the new SU552 fully electric stabilising fins and is the first producer of this fully electric powered fin that is compatible with the Interceptor system on catamarans. Stefan Faldt, Sales Project Manager, stated, “This is our fifth year at Seawork and it provides good opportunities for us to engage with commercial clients from all over Europe… it's the best place to be!”

Another first time exhibitor, Gobbler Boats from Aylesbury unveiled its new two-man, 28’ hybrid Rapid Response Oil Spill Vessel (RROSRV), offering a cost-effective, high performance solution for offshore and coastline which achieves 20 knots with its jet propelled marine diesel engine.

Gobbler Boats also cleaned up in the Seawork Innovation Showcase, being awarded the coveted Spirit of Innovations Award, as the overall winner, for its innovative vessel.

The Seawork Awards ceremony, which was held at The Vestry entertainment venue was hosted by legendary powerboat champion, Shelley Jory-Leigh.

The Seawork Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Peter Nelmes of ZF Services UK, for his many years’ service to the sector. In its second year, having been launched at Seawork in 2015, the 3Si Maritime Professional of the Year was awarded to Anne Hornigold of Whitby-based 54 North Maritime, who also won the Maritime Training Category in the Innovations Showcase.

Andrew Webster, CEO of Seawork’s organisers, Mercator Media, announced at the ceremony that Seawork 2016 was to move to its new location of Mayflower Park in Southampton. He said,

“Seawork will retain all its vital essence, whilst bringing greater opportunities for exhibitors and visitors alike.”

Seawork International will next open in its new home in Mayflower Park in Southampton 14, 15, 16 June 2016.