Seawork International announces new opportunities and a new base

Seawork 2016 will deliver exceptional business opportunities for UK and international firms.

There is a new home for the annual Seawork International, Europe’s largest commercial marine and workboat exhibition and conference, which has been running this week in Southampton. Associated British Ports has hosted Seawork since the first edition in 1998 at the QEII Terminal. Since 2000, the exhibition has been held in and around the Fruit Terminal at 103/4 berths in the Western Docks.

Two factors have brought about the need for a change. Firstly, the Fruit Terminal internal configuration and usage no longer matches the Port’s commercial requirements. An upgrade of storage arrangements is planned with the result is that it will not be available for Seawork. Secondly, Seawork has no space to develop either in the Terminal, quayside or afloat.

Organisers, Mercator Media, has now announced that it has reached an agreement in principle with Southampton City Council to move Seawork to Mayflower Park, which will allow the exhibition to grow both on the water and on land. Mayflower Park is a more central location and also enjoys easy access with great transport links, ample parking, good accommodation as well as superb eateries on Oxford Street and beyond.

Andrew Webster, CEO of Mercator Media said, ‘Southampton City Council has been very supportive in providing Mayflower Park. This represents a great opportunity for the event, and its exhibitors and visitors. He continues, ‘Seawork will be able to deliver more space afloat, new scope for exhibitors, and enhanced networking, catering and meeting facilities. It is at the heart of the waterfront redevelopment of the City, enlarging the park and the new Royal Pier’.

Seawork International will open at its new home in Mayflower Park 14 – 16 June 2016.