Improved prospects for markets served by special purpose ships are emerging in the run up to Europort 2019, which takes place in Rotterdam between November 5th and 9th. This trend makes the event’s overarching 'Special Ships, Smart Solutions’ theme especially relevant and topical. 

There have been true signs of recovery in the offshore oil, gas and renewable energy sectors, while demand for cruise ships, ferries, superyachts, tugs, inland vessels and dredgers remains robust. All of these sectors, and many others, will be well represented in the packed conference programme and exhibition. "With its focus on special ships, Europort 2019 will look to home in on the smarter solutions that develop people, technology and business models,” adds Raymond Siliakus, Europort Exhibition Manager.

Europort recently had an exclusive interview with Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine Business. Roger reflects on the past year as a very positive period for digitalisation in the shipping industry. He sets out his vision of the future and discusses some of the challenges that the market has to overcome to get full value from digital technology.

During Europort 2019 visitors will be able to attend a number of engaging and educational conferences and seminars. The always-popular CEDA Dredging Days will take place at Rotterdam Ahoy on November 7-8th, and The Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) is staging The Maritime Industry 4.0 Conference, looking at the transformative power of digital technology, on November 5th. Another highlight will be the 19th Mare Forum Ship Finance congress on 6th November, while top professionals will be sharing knowledge and experiences at four inspiring Europort Masterclasses, one on each day from 5th-8th November.

No less than 16 national organisations are expected to be present in this year’s Europort exhibition. Country-based exhibition clusters will showcase maritime technology and services on offer from Greece, Spain, The Netherlands, Singapore, France, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Poland, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Romania, Croatia, Denmark, China and the UK. One of the ever retuning national pavilions will fly the Spanish flag. Organised by Foro Maritime Vasco (FMV). Greece will also once again have a strong presence with two groups: one delegation has been organised by Hellenic Marine Equipment Manufacturers & Exporters (Hemexpo) and another by the Worldwide Industrial & Marine Association (WIMA).