Seawork is continuing to build on its status as Europe’s leading commercial marine and workboat exhibition with a surge of rebookings as it prepares for what will be a bigger than ever event in June next year.
Though more than 10 months away, no fewer than 60% of the exhibitors at this year’s event have rebooked for 2027. Many of them will be occupying space in Hall 3 which is having its size increased by almost 20% – making the 28th edition of Seawork the biggest in its history.
The overall rebooking rate is up 10% compared to the run-up to this year’s event, despite the deadline being brought forward to manage the growing demand from new exhibitors wanting space in 2027.
Organisers say the uptick in rebooking, building on a remarkable 25% surge in new exhibitors at Seawork 2026 compared to the previous year, confirms their belief that Seawork represents a growing success story in the commercial marine sector.
In 2027 the expanded Hall 3 will again include industry Pavilions grouping exhibitors with a shared association, including the Workboat Association, Underwater Intervention, British Superyacht and the state-of-the-art Autonomous & Remote-Operated Vessel Pavilion exhibiting the latest examples of the rapidly developing marine technology.
Also part of Hall 3 will be Hubs showcasing the Society of Maritime Industry and British Marine, and the HM Government Zone, a dedicated space connecting marine businesses with key UK government departments, agencies, and defence procurement teams.
“There is a clear and growing increase in demand for exhibition space at Seawork, with interest already looking likely to exceed the growth spurt we experienced this year,” said Fay Reeve, Seawork Exhibition Manager at organisers Mercator Media.
“At Seawork 2026 we welcomed more than 100 new businesses and organisations exhibiting for the first time, and we are expecting a similar pattern next time around.
“Seawork is Europe’s leading annual commercial marine and workboat gathering, and we welcome an international audience of visitors from over 60 countries – as many have long appreciated, it is too good a business platform to ignore,” added Reeve.
The increasing level of interest in Seawork is also bringing benefits to the local economy, with independent assessments saying it generates between £9 million and £11 million each year.
The immediate benefits also extend across The Solent to Cowes where the innovative Speed@Seawork – held the day before Seawork itself, on Monday 14th June in 2027 – brings around 200 high-value delegates and 20 advanced high-speed vessels to the Isle of Wight town.
Seawork 2027 will be held at Mayflower Park in the centre of Southampton from 15th to 17th June, with numerous vessels moored on pontoons immediately adjacent to the large exhibition halls.
