Just two weeks remain before the international maritime community descends on Rotterdam for the 37th edition of Europort. Taking place in one of the world’s most important port cities from 3-6 November, this year’s programme is firmly focused on championing leadership within every sector of the industry.
As one of the leading exhibitions for maritime technology, Europort has for many years been ‘the’ platform for showcasing the latest innovations shaping the future of the industry from across the world, and 2015 is no different. As the role of technology continues to grow in importance the relevance of such an event cannot be underestimated. Europort 2015 goes further, recognising that although technology and innovation can facilitate a smarter and more efficient maritime industry, effective leadership is essential to its success. A comprehensive line-up of dedicated events are scheduled to explore this theme.
The event’s agenda will be brought into focus in style by Bouwe Bekking, skipper of the Brunel team in the 2015 Volvo Ocean Race. Bekking will participate in the official opening ceremony and recount his experiences as leader of the Brunel team. Four captains of industry will join Bekking and draw on their own experiences, sharing opinions and visions for leadership within the maritime industry.
Europort 2015’s vibrant programme combines long-standing elements like the CEDA Dredging Days, the primary international dredging conference, Mare Forum ship finance and Maritime Awards Gala, now in its tenth year, with new and exciting additions including the Energy Efficient Ships conference, Europort Masterclasses and the Europort Cruise Party.
“Effective leadership and collaboration are fundamental elements to the future success of the maritime industry, ” comments Raymond Siliakus, Europort Exhibition Manager. “Europort 2015 will feature six masterclasses as part of this year’s conference programme. Each of these will address the leadership challenges facing the industry, in design, technology, efficiency and human capital. We are really excited about this new addition to the Europort offering as we believe these masterclasses are an excellent way for maritime companies to come together and inspire each other, learn from other industries, share knowledge and profit from the networking opportunity.”
Another new addition to this year’s schedule of events is the Europort Cruise Party. After closing time of the exhibition on 4 November business will continue in the magnificently renovated SS Rotterdam. This legendary ship, once the flagship of the Holland America Line, has sailed to almost every corner of the world. Now fully renovated and permanently back in her birthplace, the city of Rotterdam, she offers the perfect venue for hosting the first Europort Cruise Party. An ideal occasion to meet industry friends, while enjoying good food and drinks, overlooking the beautiful river Maas and the skyline of the dynamic city of Rotterdam.
“We hope this event will become the pinnacle of what is a dynamic week of conferences, seminars, matchmaking sessions, networking opportunities and of course the leading maritime technology exhibition, ” says Siliakus. “It could not be held in a more fitting venue and we look forward to a wonderful evening. It is certainly proving popular but there is still time to get a ticket!”
Europort will take place at Ahoy Rotterdam on 3-6 November 2015 and is expected to attract visitor numbers in excess of 30, 000. The visitor profile includes leading technology pioneers, decision makers and professional representatives from shipping companies, yards and owners with over 84 countries represented. It is a must-attend for anyone wanting to stay ahead in the international maritime market, with all sectors of the maritime chain present under one roof.
For full details of the masterclass programme, cruise party and all the other activities scheduled at Europort 2015, please visit www.europort.nl
