Seawork International 2009 makes a splash

Renewable energy and maritime security have been key themes at the Seawork International commercial marine event in the Port of Southampton this week.

Conference sessions included how to exploit wave and tidal stream energy for generating electricity and how to install a concrete gravity base for an offshore wind turbine.

With piracy on the high seas in the news recently, there was a focus on security measures such as underwater detection and boat stopping devices.

Vessel builders and contractors were among 450 exhibitors at the event which seemed in pretty robust health despite the recession. This was my second visit and the buzz was just as evident comparing this year and last.

Somewhere around 6,500 potential buyers and delegates were due this week, offering great opportunities for Hampshire-based suppliers and manufacturers.

Many in the industry will have felt buoyed by February’s Marine South East report valuing the worldwide marine market at £2 trillion. And indeed, by the end of day one of Seawork 2009 news of fresh deals was coming out including a £2 million European military contract to supply engines for rigid inflatable boats.

The event has been another great chance for Southampton to host a worldwide conference and expo and the general mood was upbeat for the future.

The economy, the environment – it’s the same thing stupid…

When the campaigning Bill Clinton pinned a note above his bed that read ‘It’s the economy stupid’ to remind himself of US voters’ main concern, climate change was not commonly seen as a bottom line issue.

These days, sustainability is a core business buzzword. Customers expect every company they deal with to be green – in everything from their supply chain to waste disposal. If you can’t do business without damaging the environment, you’d better have a good reason or people will go elsewhere.

I’ve been at a really good workshop today that highlighted the importance of environmental credentials in business.

It was run by the Enterprise Europe Network and hosted by Southampton and Fareham Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

On the agenda were the key aspects every would-be supplier needs to get to grips with when responding to public sector tenders. Sustainability and ethical sourcing are vital if a bid is to be taken seriously.

The presenters pointed to helpful advice from Business Link that encourages companies to make environmental choices a priority.

On the public sector side, a clear statement of sustainability and innovation on a grand scale can be seen in the plans for the 2012 games in London, expected to be the ‘greenest’ ever.

The cover and upper tiers of the main stadium itself will be completely dismantled once the Olympics are over, leaving a very much smaller venue for longer-term use. Every bit of material involved in the construction will be recycled.

Now, that’s impressive – but the message today was that smaller businesses and organisations can be just as innovative in their own ways.