The Electric & Hybrid Marine Expo and Electric & Hybrid Marine Technology International magazine teams will shortly head to Europe’s maritime capital, Rotterdam, to attend Europort 2023 (November 7-10, 2023). If you are also planning to attend the show, please come and find us on Stand 8507 (Hall 8).
The biennial exhibition and conference at the Rotterdam Ahoy present a diverse line-up of events and attractions designed to promote collaboration and innovation for a more sustainable shipping industry.
Rotterdam officially hosts this year’s event following its recent strategic cooperation agreement with Europort. The Dutch city was named the maritime capital of Europe in the 2022 edition of DNV and Menon Economics’ Leading Maritime Cities of the World report.
“Rotterdam and Europort are leaders in their respective fields and share a vision of driving the maritime industry’s transition toward a more sustainable and innovative future,” said Raymond Siliakus, exhibitions manager at Rotterdam Ahoy. “This year’s event perfectly reflects this shared objective, with a dynamic and diverse program of international conferences and industry awards ceremonies alongside abundant networking opportunities and exciting social activities.”
Europort 2023 will focus on four key themes – energy transition, digitalization, ship finance and human capital (a new addition to the program) – as well as nine categories of special-purpose vessels from superyachts, cruise ships and ferries to workboats, dredgers and fishing vessels.
The comprehensive program includes the Brazil Network Day, focusing on ‘Energy transition in the context of ports and offshore development projects’ (November 7, 2023); the 22nd Mare Forum Ship Finance, comprising six sessions covering transformation, decarbonization and more (November 8); the International Conference on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (ICMASS), with parallel sessions exploring multiple topics over two days (November 8-9); the European Tugowners Conference (November 9); the Central Dredging Association’s (CEDA) Innovation Event, with Innovation Pitch Talks and a session on energy efficiency (November 9); and the Fisheries Innovation Network’s first-anniversary event (November 10).
Also of interest to dredger operators are three dredge masterclasses from the IHC Training Institute. Running from 10am to 2pm on November 8, 9 and 10, the classes cover trailing suction hopper dredgers, soil characteristics and cutter suction hopper dredgers, respectively.
Meanwhile, in the spirit of partnership and friendship – two of Europort’s core values – Europort 2023 will make it easier than ever for attendees to connect and collaborate, Siliakus explained.
“The dedicated Digitalization Area allows pioneers in the digital transition and smart connectivity to come together and share ideas, while the Rising Stars Pavilion gives startups a platform to showcase their innovations to new and international audiences,” he continued. “There is also the MariMatch matchmaking event for companies and institutions looking for new business and/or research partners.”
In addition to stimulating collaboration and information exchange, Europort 2023 will recognize contributions to sustainable shipping through the Safety4Sea Europort Awards, which comprise ceremonies for the Green4Sea, Smart4Sea and Career4Sea awards. Furthermore, the Amver Awards acknowledge vessels that regularly participate in the Amver system, a computer-based voluntary ship reporting system used worldwide by search and rescue authorities to assist people in distress at sea.
Outside of the formal events, Europort 2023 offers opportunities to interact in a more casual setting. On the morning of November 7, the first day of the program, the Europort Business Run enables participants to connect with like-minded professionals while supporting a good cause, with the full participation fee donated to the Mercy Ships charity. The following evening, the SS Rotterdam plays host to the Europort Cruise Party, serving up food, drink and live music with views over the river Maas and the Rotterdam skyline.