Commitments from international shipping interests and leading-edge maritime technology companies, plus Government support across the board have contributed to a record-breaking uptake of exhibition space at NEVA 2017, the biennial event for building connections to Russia’s maritime industries.
On the eve of NEVA 2017, which runs from September 19-22 at the Expoforum Convention Centre, organisers Dolphin Exhibitions reported full occupancy within exhibition Halls F & G, covering gross space of over 26,000m2 at St Petersburg’s premier event venue. Participants include over 600 companies from 36 countries, while the parallel multi-streamed NEVA 2017 Conference has attracted over 1,500 speakers and delegates.
International Maritime Organization Assistant Secretary General Lawrence D. Barchue Sr will open the NEVA 2017 Conference on September 19th and draw attention to the “Connecting Ships, Ports and People” theme of this year’s World Maritime Day. Mr Barchue will also acknowledge IMO’s longstanding commitment to NEVA and the event’s pivotal position in serving the maritime industry, with special reference to Russia’s role in the ecology of the Arctic. This year’s NEVA includes a special round table focusing on the cooperative approach to protecting Arctic seas’. IMO Technical Officer Mikhail Gappoev will make contributions on the Polar Code and fishery fleet safety.
The opening ceremony’s international appeal has been confirmed by the presence of Manuela Schwesig, Minister President of Mecklenberg-Vorpommern, Germany, as well as Minister of Transport, Christian Plegel, who are heading a sizeable delegation from the northern German federal state. Other distinguished overseas participants at NEVA 2017 include André Vervooren, Deputy CEO of City of Rotterdam, and Christos Lampridis, Secretary General of Ports, Port Policy and Maritime Investments in the Ministry of Maritime Affairs of Greece.
In fact, a transnational flavour runs through this year’s programme, as demonstrated by an ‘Optimisation of Design Procedures for Shipbuilding and Ship Repair’ round table organised by Dutch firm CADMATIC with the Makarov State University and a Russian-Finland Seminar for Cooperation in Shipbuilding.
With the Russian fishing fleet in need of rapid renewal, NEVA is also being supported by the Russian Federation Ministry of Agriculture, to sit alongside its traditional backing from the Ministries of Transport, Industry and Trade, and Foreign Affairs. Fishing fleet opportunities have attracted overseas participation by first-time exhibitor KNARR Maritime Group, the new Icelandic fisheries technology organisation, while 10 of the Norwegian Pavilion client companies are active in fishery vessels or fleet equipment.
No other event approaches NEVA for insight into Russia’s maritime, inland shipping, shipbuilding and ports industries, and for participation by relevant government bodies. In the run-up to the event, St Petersburg Vice Governor Igor Albin confirmed intentions to attend for a meeting with the Russian Federation’s Minister of Transport, Maxim Sokolov.
Indicating the international outlook permeating NEVA 2017, a welcoming statement from United Shipbuilding Corp President A L Rakhamnov emphasised: “The Corporation is prepared to adopt best practices, develop mutually beneficial cooperation with foreign partners in the segments in which domestic bureaus and plants do not yet have sufficient skills.”
In line with wider industry developments, this year’s programme also includes a Disruptive Technology session devised by the National Technology Initiative MARINET to explore innovation in shipbuilding, ocean resources, digitalisation in shipping and e-navigation. The rise of digital technology in maritime is also reflected by the launch of the interactive ‘NEVA 2017 App’, courtesy of Dolphin Exhibitions. The new application allows smartphone users to register, then download exhibitor information, plan routes through the exhibition halls and network with other registered users, including participating speakers. It is available via Google Play and the Apple App Store*.
“From the outset, NEVA 2017 has looked likely to be one of the best-ever conference and exhibition events in which Dolphin Exhibitions has been involved,” says Matthew White, General Director, Dolphin Exhibitions. “As the doors open on this record-breaking event, we are delighted that it is delivering on its promise and invite exhibitors to make full use of the press services and other support at their disposal.”
* Download the NEVA 2017 app via https://www.transtec-neva.com/home/neva/phone-app/
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