Shiptec China 2014 Taking Shape

In just under seven months’ time, marine professionals from China and around the world will gather for the opening of Shiptec China 2014 at the Dalian World Expo Center. Taking place October 21-24, it is the 11th holding of this increasingly important event, and the organizers have now confirmed many aspects of the forthcoming event.

With its leading role now well established thanks to the involvement of the Chinese government, Shiptec China 2014 has grown to be one of the most important platforms in China for the world maritime industry, especially for those who wish to consolidate business relationships and penetrate the local market. This year’s event will feature increased participation from those Chinese shipyards that have received over 80% of the ship and offshore platform orders placed in China. CSSC has confirmed its further participation in the exhibition, while CSIC, COSCO Shipbuilding, CSC Shipbuilding and China Shipping are coordinating with the organizers for their participation. These yards will present their capabilities in research and design of green ships and their competence for offshore drilling platforms, as well as their overall building capabilities.

Internationally, Norwegian Maritime Exporters, Holland Marine Equipment, the German Marine and Offshore Equipment Industries Association, the Danish Marine Group China and the Korean Marine Equipment Association are amongst those countries and trade organizations that will be attending the exhibition with the country pavilions. 

Conference programs
Conferences, to be run in parallel with the exhibition, are an important part of Shiptec China. The key forums and seminars that are planned will reflect the current situation in the maritime industry. On the one hand, the objective is to better understand the upgrading and restructuring policies of the Chinese marine industry and explore potential business opportunities for the participants. On the other hand, new technologies will be presented to audiences from shipping and shipbuilding industries.

Topics to be covered include ship finance, ballast water management, vessel performance, arctic shipping, arctic design and the control of emissions. Innovation Norway is working closely with the organizers to host the Norwegian Technology Forum to facilitate further contact between the maritime industries of Norway and China.

Business-to-business meetings will again be organized for international exhibitors to meet with procurement managers from the exhibiting Chinese ship and offshore yards. The Gala Dinner will be the most important networking party for invited representatives from the exhibitors to get to know each other, exchange details with the VIPs from the yards and governments, and relax with Dalian seafood and beer. Visits to local shipyards are also being planned.

Industry update
Over capacity is being cut by the state - no new docks will be permitted, while the acquisition and merging of facilities into the leading groups is in line with governmental strategy. Subsidies are being given to encourage ship scrapping and recycling so as to downsize the fleets, but higher expenditure is being made to develop high added value vessels and deep sea drilling facilities.

Meanwhile, the organizers took the opportunity of the holding of 17th Interim Meeting of the ASF Ship Recycling Committee, held on March 19 in Dalian, to invite ship owners’ associations, including the CSA, KSA, JSA, HKSA, NACS, FASA and MASA, to attend ShipTec China 2014. Attracting shipowners from the Asian countries is the primary goal of Shiptec China.