The organizer of the Advanced Maritime Technology (AMT) Expo & Conference has announced that from 2027, the event will relocate from its long-standing home at the RAI Amsterdam to Fira de Barcelona – Montjuïc. The first edition in the new venue will take place June 16-17, 2027. The move is a strategic step in the continued evolution of AMT as a global platform for innovation, collaboration and growth across the maritime technology sector.
A strategic decision for long-term growth
The decision to move to Barcelona reflects the organizer’s commitment to placing the event at the heart of a rapidly expanding maritime innovation environment. Although Amsterdam has played an important role in establishing AMT as a leading industry gathering, the next phase of growth requires closer integration with emerging clusters of investment, research and industrial development.
Barcelona offers direct access to a dynamic blue economy environment, proximity to a major international port, and strong institutional and industry partnerships. These factors will enable AMT to evolve beyond a traditional exhibition format into a more connected, year-round platform for the maritime technology community.
Roz Guanori, portfolio director at UKi Media & Events, said, “The decision to move Advanced Maritime Technology Expo & Conference to Barcelona reflects our long-term vision for the event. As AMT continues to grow, we are focused on creating an environment that not only supports a world-class exhibition and conference but also connects our community directly with the mutually supportive systems driving innovation in maritime technology.
“Barcelona offers a unique combination of a leading international port, strong institutional support and a rapidly expanding blue economy cluster. This move allows us to position AMT at the center of that growth, creating new opportunities for collaboration, investment and industry development.
“We are incredibly proud of what we have built in Amsterdam, and this next chapter in Barcelona will enable us to scale the event further and deliver even greater value to our exhibitors, partners and visitors worldwide.”
Strong institutional and industry backing
The move has been widely welcomed by key stakeholders across the maritime and blue economy sectors.
Emma Cobos, innovation and blue economy strategy director at Port of Barcelona, said, “The Port of Barcelona fully supports the decision to move Advanced Maritime Technology Expo & Conference to Barcelona from 2027 onward and is proud to act as host port for the event. Barcelona offers a rapidly growing blue economy ecosystem that brings together a leading international port, strong public and private investment and a dynamic network of industry, technology and research partners. Flagship initiatives such as BlueTechPort – a project delivering real impact today – together with future developments like the Maritime Technology Park, in which the Port of Barcelona is also a partner and which will be located within the port area, represent a combined investment of over €100m [US$116m]. Hosting the event in Barcelona will help scale this ecosystem, foster collaboration and reinforce the city’s position as a key Mediterranean hub for advanced and sustainable maritime technologies.”
Adrià Jover, president of IEMA, added, “Barcelona is the right home for Advanced Maritime Technology. The city’s long-term commitment to the blue economy creates exactly the kind of environment where AMT can grow beyond an event and become a genuine industry platform. IEMA, with its headquarters in Barcelona, is well placed to help AMT build those connections – across the private sector, public institutions and regulatory bodies – from day one.”
Constantí Serrallonga, general manager of Fira de Barcelona, said, “We are proud to welcome Advanced Maritime Technology to Barcelona, an event that aligns closely with Fira de Barcelona’s commitment to innovation, technology and sustainability. For centuries, the city has been shaped by the sea and has served as a gateway for ideas, trade and cultural exchange.
“It is especially meaningful for us to host an event that will help reshape not only the future of maritime technology but also our relationship with the seas. We are confident that our expertise and world-class venues will support the event’s growth and help establish Barcelona as its long-term home.”
Alignment with global sustainability leadership
Barcelona’s growing international role in sustainable ocean innovation was also a key factor in the decision.
Raquel Gil, fifth deputy mayor, portfolios: Economic Promotion, Business and Work, Social Action Equality and Feminism, said, “In June 2025, UNESCO designated Barcelona as the global capital of the sustainable ocean economy, recognizing the city’s leadership in driving a more sustainable and innovative maritime future. Advanced Maritime Technology Expo & Conference 2027 reflects this vision, bringing together navigation, innovation, business and sustainability.
“The arrival of AMT in Barcelona reinforces the city’s position as a leading international venue and strengthens its commitment to the blue economy, a key pillar of Barcelona Impulsa 2025-2035. Working in close collaboration with Fira de Barcelona, the Port of Barcelona, the Convention Bureau and the Barcelona Capital Nàutica Foundation, we aim to ensure the event generates lasting impact, supporting innovation, investment, infrastructure and sustainable economic growth across the maritime sector.”
Positive response from the AMT community
Feedback from exhibitors, partners and the wider AMT community has been strongly supportive of the move:
“Barcelona could be a strategic location for future editions of the event. Being close to the port and marina is a strong advantage, and the city could give a fresh new image to the exhibition.”
“Barcelona is a great idea. We do have a number of projects in Spain, and considering the show has always been hosted in the Netherlands, it might indeed be a good time to explore a new location.”
“Since I believe that making changes voluntarily usually brings positive outcomes… I think this could make the event even more recognisable.”
“Although I live in Amsterdam… there is enough industry in Spain to make it interesting for most of our members.”
“This is the most exciting move and absolutely the right plan for AMT for the future.”
Looking ahead to 2027
With its move to Barcelona, AMT is set to enter a new phase, strengthening its role as a global meeting point for maritime innovation while contributing directly to the development of sustainable ocean industries.
Advanced Maritime Technology Expo & Conference 2027 will take place June 16 & 17 at Fira de Barcelona – Montjuïc.