The 38th edition of Europort maritime exhibition opened its doors in Rotterdam, on 7 November, focusing this year on three core themes; Big Data, The Environmental Age and the Human Factor.
And #Europort is officially open! pic.twitter.com/yxlihSswOg
— Europort (@Europort2023) November 7, 2017
Exploration of the 2017 themes was undertaken by both current and future maritime leaders in addition to experts from other industries at the energetic opening ceremony, which set the tempo for the week ahead and gave fresh perspective on the challenges that the industry faces.
This year’s ‘Young Maritime Representatives’ Desiree Raaijman and Peter Paul van Voorst, with presenter Geert Maarse, kicked off proceedings by video blogging (vlogging) live from the stage, with the purpose of engaging young people and provoking interest in being part of the maritime industry and the change that is coming.
In navigating the impact of the dark side of climate change – particularly of rising sea levels – on the maritime industry, RTL Television weather anchor and climatologist Reinier van den Berg illustrated the monumental importance of the industry adapting to operations in the environmental age.
Further, maritime ‘Captains of Industry’: Karin van Orsel, Co-Chair of the Royal Dutch Shipowners Association (KVNR), Vice Chairman International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), President of Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA); Kees Jan Mes, Vice Chairman SEA Europe, Managing Director Pon Power NL; Albrecht Grell, Executive Vice President DNV GL; and Astrid Kee, Member of Executive Board STC Group, Chairman NML Human Capital Council, joined in unison onstage, sharing their individual visions concerning the advancement of the global maritime industry and debating sustainability, the evolution of digitalisation and the future role of the seafarer.
“Without #sustainability the industry will not survive” @KarinOrsel at #Europort opening ceremony @WISTAInt @zeevaart @shippingics #shipping pic.twitter.com/ubOKu0NF3X
— Europort (@Europort2023) November 7, 2017
Kees Jan Mes shared his view on digitalisation that it is very important how the industry converts digital information and technology into something meaningful for the maritime world.
“If the maritime industry is not at the forefront of technology, the next generation will not be there – the industry will not be interesting enough for them,” was also the key message from Albrecht Grell.
Jolanda Janssen, CEO of Rotterdam Ahoy told the audience that a key element she was really proud of is that Rotterdam Ahoy will in 2020 open the biggest conference centre in the Netherlands which will host future editions of Europort.
Being held on 7 – 10 November 2017, Europort, organised in the world port city of Rotterdam, is the international maritime meeting place for innovative technology and complex shipbuilding. Europort has a strong focus on special purpose ships including offshore vessels, dredging vessels, construction vessels, naval vessels, workboats, inland vessels, fishery vessels and super yachts. With almost 30,000 professional visitors and 1,100 exhibiting companies Europort belongs to the world’s leading maritime meeting places.
