Seawork 2010: leading the way

In his March budget, the then Chancellor, Alistair Darling, announced a £2bn fund in the ‘green bank’ for low carbon industries such as offshore wind farms. He also offered £2.5bn for small businesses to boost skills and innovation and a further £60m to develop East Coast ports to transport turbines for offshore wind farms.

Then there was his one year business rate cut to assist 500,000 companies.

Taking a lead from the Chancellor, and with renewable energy now centre of the international political and ecological stage, Seawork exhibitors are in the right place to reap the rewards as the natural resources of the world become the focus for the future.

The Renewable Energy Association (REA) Wave and Tidal Technology Symposium (WATTS) 2010 will showcase the achievements and plans of the UK’s vibrant marine renewables industry at Seawork. It’s a unique networking opportunity, combining conference, exhibition viewing and other associated events.

Delegates will be updated on the latest development experiences and issues, learn about installation requirements, O&M needs and the opportunity presented by this emergent sector, into which investment worth around £8bn will flow by 2020.

To support the WATTS Conference, this year’s Seawork offers a Renewable Energy Pavilion, sponsored by South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), to showcase skills, products, services and the latest innovations and technology.

A display area for marine renewable energy companies will show new technology and innovations. On Tuesday, entries will be judged by industry experts with awards presented at the REA dinner in the evening.

The Seawork Gala Dinner

The popular comedian Ian Irving - chosen to be the Captain for 2010 by The Variety Club of Great Britain - will return to entertain us at this year’s Seawork Gala Dinner at The De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel.

In a positive change to proceedings this year, Mr Irving will also compère the evening co-ordinating the presentation of the Innovations Showcase Awards.

The evening will also feature an address by Doug Morrison, director of the ABP Port of Southampton, on the future strategy for the port. Book tickets by contacting the Seawork Team on 01329 820480.

Other Seawork 2010 attractions

As if the unique mix of vessels, exhibition stands, industry-specific pavilions, the support of major government bodies, plus the Innovations Showcase, Small Business Enterprise Zone and topical conference programme isn’t enough…

The UK Marine and Coastal Access Act

This act could bring wide ranging changes to the marine industry in the UK. It will establish Marine Conservation Zones, a marine planning system, inshore fisheries reform, establishment of a Marine Management Organisation, and coastal access provisions. 

All the implications for vessel operators will be explained and discussed on Thursday  June 17. 

Export Opportunities

This year’s UK Trade & Investment Meet the Buyer event, focusing on commercial marine, is again being hosted by Seawork. This year it’s being organised by the British Marine Federation (BMF) and the British Commercial Boatbuilders Association (BCBA) which represents the interests of companies operating in the commercial marine sector.

It will bring around 15 of the world’s key decision makers to Seawork from developing markets such as India and China, plus representatives from key European yards, for Seawork visitors to meet on a one-to-one basis. It’s a unique opportunity to explore export markets for your business. .

Sign up early to secure your half hour meetings with the most influential buyers in the commercial sector, call Chris Grosscurth on 01784 223641 or email cgrosscurth@britishmarine.co.uk

For more information visit britishmarine.co.uk/seawork

Innovations Showcase draws entries

The Seawork Innovations Showcase has attracted outstanding entries from a range of exhibitors. Echopilot has submitted its 3D Forward Looking Sonar, and H4 has submitted a new grade of Maritex with unique properties to extend the life of high load bearings. 

As we went to press, the latest entries include the new Echomax Active-XS dual band Radar Target Enhancer and the Universal Marine Medical MedStat Medicines Management System.

Over 60 entries are expected to contend for the prestigious, annual Spirit of Innovation Trophy. If you’re an exhibitor, check out the entry form in your Exhibitor’s Manual. If you’re a visitor, don’t miss the Innovations Showcase on your tour.

SEEDA trebles its support

The South East England Development Association (SEEDA) has been an enthusiastic supporter of Seawork for several years, encouraging the region’s businesses to exhibit and visit. 

In 2010, SEEDA is sponsoring the Innovations Showcase, as well as the Marine Renewables Showcase and, a major development for the exhibition, the Marine Renewables Pavilion. 

Naval Attachés Select Seawork

The Naval Attachés Corps will visit Seawork in force this year on Wednesday June 16. Around 30 senior overseas Naval officers are expected. They’ll be briefed on how the MoD undertakes its small boat and sea safety procurement and also on university training undertaken through the Royal Navy, before touring the exhibition.  

Car parking…

Car parking was a bit awkward last year. So the new team running Seawork this year set about sorting it all out. Exhibition manager Jane Anderson and exhibition co-ordinator Fay Reeve organised an on-site visit with ABP port operations, the shuttle bus operators and the security company which directs  traffic in the port.

‘All the right people now know the docks layout and what Seawork exhibitors and visitors will expect,’ said Ms Anderson. ‘The parking is literally a 10 minute walk away, although the free shuttle buses will be running. The journey will take a few minutes to the venue.’

Seawork has seven acres of parking at the end of Imperial Way. The car park is a new development in the port to be used for cruise ship parking so there are purpose built bus shelters and bus routes in and out of the car park.

But what happens when a cruise ship comes in, as was a major problem last year?

‘There are two cruise liners leaving on the Wednesday at 1630,’ said Ms Anderson. ‘ABP is aware of the clash and has already organised the parking for these visitors too.’

The majority of the traffic will be arriving midday so shouldn’t pose too much of a problem for Seawork visitors, who tend to bunch up around 10.00 and 16.00.

‘The cruise passengers will park up and also get a shuttle bus to their terminal, so instead of thousands of cars all trying to access Imperial Way at once, there will be a small number of shuttle buses instead,’ Ms Anderson said. Job done…

But if you have any queries about your visit to Seawork, call the new Seawork Visitor Hotline number: 01923 690643.