Europort Romania maintains its position as the premier Black Sea martime event
The 12th edition of Europort Romania, that took place from 15 - 17 May 2018 lived up to the event’s name. During the premier Black Sea networking event over 50 maritime equipment and service suppliers met with close to 500 maritime professionals from Romania as well as many delegates from other Black Sea countries. Exhibitors highly appreciated the unique and exclusive character of Europort Romania. Within three days, they relished the opportunity to meet and network with the event’s high quality visitors, mostly representing management, purchasing or technical departments and having high decision making authorities for new investments.
For the Polish company Famor, specialised in ship's illumination, it was the first time to participate in Europort Romania. Ms. Anna Pawlikowska, Marketing Director said: "I have never experienced such a full service marketing event for the marine industry. We have met many professionals from the marine market and we really enjoyed being part of it”. Next to this debutant, many companies have been supporting Europort Romania for over a decade. Michael Johns, Area Sales Manager Marine Division at Zeppelin Power Systems GmbH & Co. KG: "We have been exhibiting in this unique networking event for six editions. We simply have to be there."
Romania is truly a forward thinking maritime nation. During the official opening ceremony of Europort Romania, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Romania; Mrs Ronner-Grubačić stated: "Romanian ports are developing, and so is the shipbuilding industry. We need to compliment the Romanian wharfs’ accomplishments in today’s technologically advanced industry. With the support of foreign stakeholders and investors, the Romanian shipbuilding sector has matured to where it is today.”
Beside the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Romania, many officials participated in the official opening ceremony. After welcoming speeches of the Secretary of State from the Ministry of Transport in Romania; Mr Minea, the President of the Romanian Chamber of Commerce and also President of the Constanta Chamber of Commerce and Shipping; Mr Daraban, the Mayor of Constanta city; Mr. Făgădău and a special welcome by Raymond Siliakus, Exhibition Manager of Europort, the exhibition was officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
New this edition was a matchmaking event, organised by Enterprise Europe Network. This event offered exhibitors the opportunity to gain new international contacts for future technology partnerships. The focus was on innovative technology.
Europort Romania also hosted a wide range of networking opportunities after closing time of the exhibition. New this year was the wine tasting event and diner afterwards, with traditional Romanian music and dancing. Mr. Chaudhary, 5G Marine stated: "This event allows for excellent networking opportunities.” As is tradition, a shipyard visit was organised as well as the networking reception on the opening day. To conclude the Romanian Shipbuilders Organisation ANCONAV organised their members meeting.