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26,076 visitors from 93 countries marked a new record for trade show »Europort«, which took place recently in the Dutch maritime capital Rotterdam

Special ship markets in recovery and real progress on maritime digitalisation brought a feelgood finale to the exhibition, the oganizers[ds_preview] drew a positive balance. »With over 1,000 exhibitors and a record number of international visitors, Europort’s focus on special ship markets paid particular dividends in 2019, as its successful recipe of conference sessions, Masterclasses, networking events and exihibitor showcases came seasoned with a sprinkle of market opportunity and business wins«, it was said.

The upbeat mood extended across the exhibition floor, with one of the many international shipyards present even signing up for new business. At a formalised contract signing, A. Noyan Altu , CEO of Uzmar and DMT Sales Director Andre Schelling agreed that the Dutch winch maker would supply of two shipsets to equip a pair of ASD3200W tugboats.

To illustrate the importance of Rotterdam as a location for the national economy and society, Cora van Nieuwenhuizen, Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, visited the floor. She reinforced Dutch government ambitions that more ships calling Europe’s biggest seaport will be flying the Dutch tricolor. Formally opening the new »NL flag portal«, Van Nieuwenhuizen said: »In recent years, the number of ships operating under the Dutch flag has increased less rapidly. That is why it is now all hands on deck to turn the tide. We want to remain amongst the best in the world. I am proud to announce this at Europort, the global maritime exhibition.« The Minister was also presented with the latest edition of the Dutch maritime cluster publication Maritime Monitor, whose publication Rob Verkerk, chairman of the Netherlands Maritime Sector Network Organisation (NML), said had given him reason for »a smile«. »There is undeniably an upward trend in our industry. The art is to keep it up,« he said.

With Europort’s next edition, taking place 2-5 November 2021, set to benefit from the addition of a completely new convention center alongside the existing venue, growing overall space by 50%, the outlook from organisers Ahoy was especially positive. »One of the most exciting developments was seeing #YoungEuroport taking on a life of its own: exploring the opportunities and challenges facing the next generation of maritime professionals resonates with the industry leaders of today and tomorrow,« Exhibition Manager Raymond Siliakus said. »We also saw terrific traction for the ›CareerLab‹ career guidance and exhibitor vacancy meeting point, for the first ›Young NMT‹ event and for the YoungShip Seminar.«

High points had also included a busier than ever MariMatch, Europort’s matchmaking event to connect maritime professionals and organsiations from all over the world, the Royal Institution of Naval Architects Maritime Industry 4.0 Conference, and the well-attended parallel CEDA Days and European Tugowners conference. Siliakus said Europort 2019’s daily Masterclasses had also »truly delivered« on their mission to act as a melting pot for new ideas and thought leadership, on digitalisation, autonomous ships, renewables and advanced shipbuilding techniques, »sharing knowledge at the cutting edge of industry.«