A delegation of 14 representatives from the Canary Islands’ maritime sector has arrived in Rotterdam, Netherlands, to participate in the biannual Europort fair, one of the largest maritime B2B platforms globally. The event attracts over 24,000 professional visitors and more than 1,000 exhibiting companies, making it a prime opportunity for networking within the international maritime industry.
The Canary Islands Government, in collaboration with Proexca, is well represented at the fair, with participation from the Canary Islands Maritime Cluster and various companies, including Boluda & Suárez, Repnaval, Napesca, Grupo Anidia, Astican, La Luz Market, ATI-COM, and TMB. This delegation also includes various Atlantic region entities, participating under the A3MAtlantic project, which focuses on enhancing the maritime sector’s scientific, technological, business, and port frameworks.
Representatives from Madeira—ARDITI and Observatório Oceânico da Madeira—are attending alongside entities from the Azores such as the Chamber of Commerce of Angra do Heroísmo and local maritime companies. Meanwhile, Cape Verde is represented by the Barlavento Chamber of Commerce and the Authority of the Special Economic Zone for Maritime Economy in São Vicente. Additionally, the Centre for Enterprise Learning (CELGhana) promotes training and entrepreneurship from Ghana.
The Europort fair stands out for its highly qualified visitor demographic, with 88% of attendees having decision-making authority or influence over purchasing processes. This concentration of decision-makers allows for efficient networking and the potential for concrete business activities during the four-day event. For the Canary Islands’ port companies, participating in the fair is a crucial opportunity to showcase their capabilities and connect with key industry leaders.
This year’s Europort 2025 emphasizes innovative technology and complex shipbuilding. Focus areas include offshore and maritime industries, fishing, construction, inland navigation, and superyachts. A spotlight is placed on Energy Transition and Maritime Finance, especially regarding the decarbonization goals set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Union, which call for substantial capital investments to mitigate banking risks.
Rotterdam, designated ‘European Maritime Capital’ for 2024, serves as an ideal venue, situated within a dense industrial cluster that includes superyacht builders, offshore contractors, and research and development centers. This strategic geographical location enhances the event’s technical and commercial significance.
The participation of the Canary Islands’ delegation is supported through Project A3MAtlantic, aimed at bolstering sustainable growth and competitiveness within the Blue Economy sectors in the Mid-Atlantic. Funded largely through the Interreg MAC 2021-2027 Program, this initiative underscores the regional commitment to fostering maritime industry development.
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