EUROPE'S largest commercial marine and workboat exhibition has announced it will move to another Southampton venue.

Thousands of visitors descended on the Canary Islands Fruit Terminal for Seawork International, with nearly 7,500 expected before it reaches a climax.

The event is now in its 18th year and this year's show contains displays from 600 exhibitors and 53 countries across the globe.

But organiser Mercator Media has revealed that it has agreed in principle with Southampton City Council to move to Mayflower Park to benefit from its central location and transport links.

Andrew Webster, CEO of Mercator Media, said: "Southampton City Council has been very supportive in providing Mayflower Park. This represents a great opportunity for the event, and its exhibitors and visitors.

"Seawork will be able to deliver more space afloat, new scope for exhibitors, and enhanced networking, catering and meeting facilities.

"It is at the heart of the waterfront redevelopment of the city, enlarging the park and the new Royal Pier."

In total 184 south coast firms have been represented at this year's event and show off wares including life jackets, diving suits, communications equipment, electronics, and wielding devices.

On Tuesday visitors crowded around a dive tank to view demonstrations of a new underwater drill, while elsewhere there was a showcase of a new diving helmet.

Mercator Media says the Fruit Terminal layout and usage no longer matches the event's requirements, and that Seawork has no space to develop in the current location.

An agreement has been reached to hold the show at Mayflower Park in 2016 and Southampton City Council leader Simon Letts believes the move is a boost for the city.

He said: "Seawork is a key exhibition for Southampton and we are delighted to be working with Mecator Media to bring Seawork to Mayflower Park.

"It is right that this industry-leading international marine business exhibition remains true to its heritage in a city steeped in maritime history.".