Taking place from 7 to 10 November, Europort once again brings the shipping world together in Rotterdam, which officially hosts this year’s event foll
Taking place from 7 to 10 November, Europort once again brings the shipping world together in Rotterdam, which 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 towards a more sustainable and innovative future,” says Raymond Siliakus, Exhibitions Manager at Rotterdam Ahoy. “This year’s event perfectly reflects this shared objective, with a dynamic and diverse programme 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 programme – as well as nine categories of special-purpose vessels from superyachts, cruise ships and ferries to workboats, dredgers and fishing vessels.
The comprehensive programme includes the Brazil Network Day, focusing on ‘Energy transition in the context of ports and offshore development projects’ (7 Nov); the 22nd Mare Forum Ship Finance, comprising six sessions covering transformation, decarbonisation and more (8 Nov); the International Conference on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (ICMASS), with parallel sessions exploring multiple topics over two days (8–9 Nov); the European Tugowners Conference (9 Nov); the Central Dredging Association’s (CEDA) Innovation Event, with Innovation Pitch Talks and a session on energy efficiency (9 Nov); and the Fisheries Innovation Network’s first-anniversary event (10 Nov).
Also of interest to dredger operators are three dredge masterclasses from the IHC Training Institute. Running from 10:00 to 14:00 on 8, 9 and 10 November, the classes cover trailing suction hopper dredgers, soil characteristics and cutter suction hopper dredgers, respectively.
Meanwhile, in the spirit of Partnership & Friendship – one of Europort’s core values – Europort 2023 will make it easier than ever for attendees to connect and collaborate, Siliakus explains.
“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 start-ups a platform to showcase their innovations to new and international audiences,” he says. “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 recognise contributions to sustainable shipping through the SAFETY4SEA Europort Awards, which comprise ceremonies for the GREEN4SEA, SMART4SEA and CAREER4SEA awards. Meanwhile, 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 persons in distress at sea.
Outside of the formal events, Europort 2023 offers opportunities to interact in a more casual setting. On the morning of Tuesday, 7 November, the first day of the programme, the Europort BUSINESSrun allows 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 Rotterdam skyline.
Fonte: seatrade-maritime.com
