A ticker tape finale completed the launch of Europort 2019 yesterday, after an opening event that got participants thinking beyond shipping’s bottom line. Journalist Geert Maarse grilled top executives from Bolida Group, ESL Shipping, Stena Line and Van Oord on Smart Solutions under development, before an inspiring keynote from visionary Daan Roosegaarde put shipping’s efforts into a wider context.

Roosegaarde highlighted how radical but practical technologies can simultaneously serve economic and environmental ends, touching on 'smog-free towers’, 'Windvogel’ kite energy and a 'space waste lab’ to recover space junk. "I don’t believe in Utopia anymore,” he said. "I believe in Protopia. Prototype, testing, learning, step by step.”

Watch the video with highlights from the launch event and opening ceremony of Europort 2019.

Naval innovations provided a source of inspiration for the wider maritime industry on Day 1 of Europort 2019, as the first Europort Masterclass took a deep dive into the autonomous surface  vehicles, distributed networks and augmented reality that can enhance safety, systems reliability and fleet management.

Further Masterclass sessions take place today, tomorrow and on Friday 8th November in Hall 6, each between the hours of 10.00 and 13.30 and including a networking lunch. Today’s Masterclass covers 'Maritime solutions for offshore renewable energy’. Tomorrow, focus turns to 'Optimizing efficiency for shortsea operations’, while Friday’s Masterclass explores ways of  'Reducing carbon footprint for cruise ships and ferries.’ Tickets can be bought at the theatre in Hall 6.

Excitement is building in anticipation of some market-specific events that make Europort truly special in the maritime calendar.

Today sees MariMatch Europort get underway - the maritime 'matchmaking' event for business/research partners whose merits our competitors clearly recognise, if imitation is any guide.

Also today, between 18.00 and 23.00, is the ever-popular Europort Cruise Party in the vibrant setting of SS Rotterdam at her city berth. Tickets costs 99.50 p.p. Order now.

Meanwhile, tug sector visitors will be heading to the European Tug Owners Conference 'Business models for the future’ conference on Thursday, from 09.00 hours, which promises answers to the question "How can we smarten our business?” Information here.

View the rest of the Europort 2019 programme.