Posted on October 13, 2021
This year’s first post Covid face-to-face Europort exhibition will take place from 2 to 5 November in Rotterdam Ahoy and its brand new convention centre.
It is the 40th edition of Europort, making it one of the longest established maritime exhibitions in the world.
It will come as little surprise that ‘Charting the path to a sustainable maritime future’ is one of Europort’s primary ambitions. To initiate a deeper understanding of the transition trails that are of vital interest to the maritime ecosystem, four major themes will dominate the Europort 2021 agenda: Digitalization, Energy Transition, the Next Generation and Ship Finance.
In common with the previous 39 editions, Europort 2021 offers numerous conferences, thematic masterclasses, matchmaking and networking events, seminars and workshops in close collaboration with its partners and industry organizations.
Below is a selection of the first highlights of the definitive programme. To see the full programme and for details on how to book free tickets, visit www.europort.nl.
THE INNOVATION STAGE
The Innovation Stage will focus on the four central themes of Europort 2021 for 4 days. Europort exhibitors and partners will pitch their innovations live on stage. Located in the heart of the event, the Innovation Stage offers a free access daily programme. Each day another industry theme will lead:
Tue. 2 Nov. : Digitalisation & Smart Technology
Wed. 3 Nov. : Safety & Security
Thu. 4 Nov. : Energy Transition & Green Shipping
Fri. 5 Nov. : The Next Generation
SMART DIGITAL PORTS
For the first time in its 40th anniversary, Europort presents the ‘Smart Digital Ports’ conference. Europort is committed to the next generation of efficient and connected ports. Global ports and the entire supply chain debate, discuss, network and share best practices on latest developments on automation, sustainability and connectivity.
1ST MARE FORUM ‘FUNDING THE EUROPEAN INLAND NAVIGATION’
Also new is the first Mare Forum entitled ‘Funding the European Inland Navigation’. This event creates the chance to discuss and make a difference. With multiple keynote speakers and panellists the following questions will be addressed: Who has a clear view of the design of the barge of the future? What insights do we have into the commercial viability of future ship designs? Who will take the investment risk on these technologies? What is the role of the capital provider and charterer? Is LNG just a transition fuel? Hydrogen, ammonia, batteries, and nuclear? Is there enough infrastructure in ports to facilitate new fuels? Will we have new trades, requiring new ship types – e.g. hydrogen carriers and ammonia product tankers?
SHIP FINANCE PAVILION
On the initiative of Netherlands Maritime Technology (NMT) and the Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners (KVNR), this year’s edition will feature a dedicated ‘Ship Finance Pavilion’, located in the heart of the event.
MARIMATCH 2021
This is an international “matchmaking” event for companies and institutions in the maritime industry who are looking for new business and/or research partners. The event offers the opportunity to gain new international contacts for future technology partnerships. The focus is on innovative technology. After registration on the MariMatch website participants can schedule appointments with other parties or be invited by potential foreign partners. The intermediate network of Enterprise Europe Network plays an active role in connecting parties from different countries.
Furthermore, a ‘Shipathon’ will be organized where answers are sought by young professionals on many challenges, a variety of promising start-ups will present themselves on the exhibition floor and numerous industry organizations organize their own events.
The face-to-face event in Rotterdam is supported by Europort Connect, a virtual networking facility that is also free to attend.
