We are looking forward to the anniversary edition of the Europort exhibition, where safety and successful networking will go hand in hand. Last week, the Dutch government announced several relaxations of Covid-19 measures. From September 25th, the rule which keeps people 1.5 metres apart in public spaces will be lifted. This means that Europort can take place with full capacity: visitors and exhibitors can move around freely without the 1.5 metre limitations. When entering the Rotterdam Ahoy, the coronavirus entry pass system will still apply.

There has also been a relaxation of some entry requirements for international travellers. For example, visitors from the US and UK are no longer required to self-quarantine on arrival. Please check the latest travel guidance here. 

In addition to the physical exhibition in November, you can  start networking now via Europort Connect! Discover all of the exhibitors, plan meetings at their booth or create your own schedule. Keen to find out which key maritime players will also be visiting? Register for Europort and activate your account to set up meetings in the Europort Connect Lounge.

Registration is essential to access Europort Connect.

MariMatch 2021, the international "matchmaking" event for companies and institutions in the maritime industry that are looking for new business or R&D partners will be held on November 3 and 4.

MariMatch provides the opportunity to gain new international contacts for future technology partnerships with a focus on innovative technology. This year’s MariMatch is a hybrid event and thus also enables (partially) online meetings. The intermediate network of Enterprise Europe Network plays an active role in connecting parties from different countries.

With pressure growing for maritime decarbonisation, shipping’s true commitment will show in its plans for the 1,000 new ships a year DNV estimates will be built to 2030.

Energy transition is a key theme for Europort 2021 and, as DNV’s new Maritime Forecast to 2050 report also demonstrates progress is being made: around 12% of ships on order will use alternative fuels, compared to 6% in 2019.

Even so, significant uncertainties on future fuel choices, supply and enabling technologies remain. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) has been the main alternative selected for ships on order, for example, which is now seen more as a 'bridging’ fuel towards greater sustainability.