Great Foundation for 10^th Year Celebrations

Seawork 2006 is widely reported to have exceeded exhibitors and visitors already high expectations – and the weather was kind too!  Record levels of business enquiries resulted from the 5,700 visitors that clicked through the turnstiles – representing an increase of 10% over the previous year’s event. Overseas visitor numbers were also up significantly with Romania, Hungary, Turkey and the Far East among countries represented. 

The Seawork pontoons carried volumes of quality visitors each day, clearly impressed by the wide variety of vessels available for inspection and trials.  Notable among the fleet of over 50 workboats, were UKI Workboat’s RV Callista, Milford Haven’s new Pilot cutter Skomer and Damen Shipyards’ new 19m Stan Tug, which dominated the scene.

Seawork is firmly established as the premier business event for the European commercial marine industry.

Always Something New

Seawork has become renowned for its special features.  It started with the Small Business Enterprise Zone, designed to encourage emerging companies to meet the market face-to-face. 

This year, there was another important first - the Maritime Jobs Fair, put together by the Fareham and Southampton Chamber of Commerce, Jobcentre Plus and the local universities and nautical colleges.  The Marine, Engineering & Manufacturing Skills Partnership saw significant levels of interest in training and recruitment, particularly from companies looking for advice on funding.  This is a new feature sure to grow in significance and effectiveness next year.

In addition, the highly successful DiveWork and RIB Trail initiatives were joined by the Ship Building & Ship Repair Pavilion and Fluid Power Pavilions, both under the banners of the relevant trade associations, and both contributing to a comprehensive presentation of the commercial marine industry in western Europe.  This policy of development keeps the event lively, interesting and encourages new exhibitors and visitors year by year. 

In the four short weeks since Seawork 2006 closed its doors in mid-June, 50% of exhibitors had submitted order forms for the 10^th anniversary next year – many jostling for larger stands in prominent positions. 

ADC Cup Challenge

In a closely fought event staged at Seawork 2006, James Burns won the ADC Challenge for completing his task in 9 minutes 45 seconds, in the newly improved Dive Tank.  James, from Edwards Diving Services of Caerphilly, said he was “surprised and really happy” when he received the handsome trophy from Roger O’Kane of the Association of Diving Contractors. 

Seawork 2007 – 10 Years of Success

Plans are currently underway for a series of 10^th Anniversary celebration and networking events. Watch the Seawork.com website – updated weekly – for next year’s features, innovations and opportunities.

Next year – the 10^th consecutive year for Seawork – the exhibition is expected to introduce further centres of interest on the exhibition floor and in the conference programme.

The dates are Tuesday 12 June to Thursday 14 June….Don’t miss it!

Visit www.seawork.com for more information