MARINE experts from the far-flung reaches of the globe will come together at a Southampton business show tomorrow.

Thousands of people will head to the city for the 18th annual Seawork International event, which organisers say is the fastest-growing exhibition in the county.

Every aspect of the boating industry will be represented by hundreds of businesses and scores of vessels will be display at the Canary Islands Fruit Terminal on Herbert Walker Avenue in the Western Docks.

Daily Echo:

The items on display will include leading designs from across the globe and the show is expected to bring 7,500 visitors and £2 million into the Southampton economy.

Dutch company Damen will show off their boats at the festival and Casper Vermuelen, sales manager for Europe, said: “The vessels berthed on Seawork’s floating walkway are an excellent way for clients to get to know Damen products like Twin Axe Fast Crew Suppliers and Multi Cat workboats and of course, we’ll also be standing on one of Damen’s own pontoon and barge models.”

Intelligent Devices will also be promoting a range of services including tracking and monitoring devices for buoys and oil pipelines.

Furthermore, German giant Voith will unveil a brand new marine propulsion system which its makers claim can dramatically cut operating costs at the same time as producing more thrust with less noise and vibration.

The National Workboat Association is joining forces with the International Jack-Up Barge Operators Association to produce a seminar focusing on safety, while there will also be a number of sessions covering technical discussions, industry updates and emerging hot topics.

Nominations have been rolling in for the Seawork Innovations Showcase, in which cutting edge technology and new products are revealed, as well as the lifetime achievement award and maritime professional of the year award.

Throughout the three days of Seawork there will also be the opportunity to participate in events and product demonstrations.

The show begins tomorrow and runs until Thursday and is hosted by the ABP Port of Southampton.