Europort 2019

SPECIAL SHIPS SMART SOLUTIONS UPDATE #FEBRUARY 2019 SMART TECHNOLOGY SMART BUSINESS SMART PEOPLE SPECIAL SHIPS SMART SOLUTIONS SMART THINKING GETS EUROPORT MOVING Better prospects in 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. Already, its overarching ‘Special Ships, Smart Solutions’ theme is catching the mood of an industry that increasingly sees smarter use of technology, people and the supply chain as the most effective routes to convert opportunity into profitability. For many in shipping, the recovery expected in 2018 did not materialise, as bulker, tanker and container markets continued to struggle. However, real signs of recovery surfaced offshore, as new life was breathed into oil and gas exploration, with laid up support vessels reactivated. The offshore wind sector is also buoyant, with North Sea development continuing to provide a focus for activity. Elsewhere, investments in cruise ships, ferries and superyachts flourished as owners of these high-profile special ships sought to cut their carbon footprints by advancing battery and even fuel cell power. Demand for tugs, inland vessels and dredgers also proved resilient, while border security and polar research needs increased appetites for new generation fast response craft and ice-going vessels respectively. Meanwhile, demand for bunker vessels required to service marine fuel sulphur content limits from 2020 and advances in alternative propulsion technology are stimulating investment in different aspects of the special ship market. The need for greater accountability in the fisheries sector plus ageing fleets among key exporting nations is also driving demand for new fishing boats, as well as more connectivity and advanced technology onboard. “With its focus on special ships, Europort 2019 brings together an exceptional in-depth programme and a group of exhibitors driven by innovation,” says Raymond Siliakus, Europort Exhibition Manager. “Both the conference programme and the exhibition focus on the smarter solutions that develop people, technology and business models, addressing cost, safety and environmental challenges in the market of special purpose ships. “Both the conference programme and the exhibition focus on the smarter solutions that develop people, technology and business models, addressing cost, safety and environmental challenges in the market of special purpose ships.”