Europort confirms role as international maritime business hub

This year’s Europort event more than lived up to the expectations of those taking part. The exhibition halls, with 1100 stands including 14 country pavilions, were buzzing as Europort 2017 strengthened its reputation as being the meeting place for the world’s shipping industry once again. In total over 26,700 visitors from 93 countries flocked to the Rotterdam Ahoy centre during the four days starting 7th November, where they were able to access the latest information from exhibiting companies representing many different fields of the shipping industry.

The importance of event was underlined by the signing of numerous deals and product launches during the exhibition. Damen for example signed contracts to supply tugs to Smit Lamnalco, work boats to Multraship and ferries to Aqualiner, and also entered into a MOU with Iranian yard Arvandan for the construction of offshore vessels. Other highlights included the launch of new engine optimisation systems by Caterpillar Marine, thruster technologies from Veth Propulsion and automation, alarm monitoring and power control systems from Ulstein.

See the aftermovie with some highlights of Europort 2017.

​Alongside the exhibition, Europort 2017 delivered a packed programme of conferences and side events, which provided valuable insights into the latest industry developments and achievements. Notable additions to the programme for the first time this year included the US Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER) awards, a special breakfast workshop organised by the inland shipping association, Royal BLN-Schuttevaer, a symposium on the Royal Netherlands Navy’s ship replacement programme and a Start-Up Plaza for young entrepreneurs.

There was also a welcome return for well-established parts of the programme such as the CEDA Dredging Days, the RINA one day Conference on Power and Propulsion Alternatives for Ships and the interactive Masterclasses, which focussed on the Europort 2017 themes of the Human Factor, Big Data and the New Environmental Age. Overall more than 40 inspiring conference and side events spanning these three core themes took place over the four days of Europort 2017.

The next edition of Europort will take place from 5 - 8 November 2019. More information on participation can be found on the website www.europort.nl. If you sign in for participation before 15 February 2018, a special early bird rate is valid. Afterwards new prices will apply. Download the early bird form now.