The show saw 370 individual stands and exhibits, with 66 vessels from 5m to the 80m Damen-built Terra Marique, which won the Spirit of Innovation award for Robert Wynn & Sons.

A record 65 companies exhibited in the Small Business Enterprise Zone and, in all, nearly 5,000 visitors from 35 countries came to see the show.

"Not only did we get record numbers of visitors, our analysis shows 87% of the visitors held serious purchasing power, " said exhibition organiser, Jane Wilson. "In addition, RibWork and DiveWork - which involved 20% of all exhibitors - gave visitors a fast-track route to relevant stands."

There's no doubt more business than ever was done at this year's seawork, she added.

The three day seawork 2004 conference programme attracted expert speakers from many countries, with good audiences and stimulating debate. The one day conference on "The Regeneration of Waterfront & Maritime Projects - a greener environment" was particularly well attended and sparked lively debate on issue arising from government policy.

And Tuesday's Gala Dinner attracted a capacity crowd of 510 at The Saints' St Mary's Stadium.

The dates for seawork 2005 are set for Tuesday June 14 to Thursday June 16 and 70% of this year's exhibitors have pledged to return for the 2005 show.