World Bunkering > News > Summer 2010 > Posidonia

Organisers, exhibitors and delegates are getting ready for what is always one of the largest – and the busiest – events on the maritime calendar. While there have been immense changes in the two years since the last Posidonia – held at the height of the boom in 2008 – the optimism of the organisers remains undimmed. And, as the maritime economy is increasingly showing signs of recovery, there is plenty to drive the partying [that is, networking] that is a major feature of Posidonia week.

There will be a strong presence from the petroleum products industry representing oil, bunkering and lubricants companies. Exhibitors from this section include first timer Avin Oil, Castrol Marine, which returns after several years’ absence, and repeat exhibitors Petrobras, Chevron Global Marine Products, Aegean Oil with partner Gulf Oil Marine, and also Elinoil and ETEKA.

Chevron Global Marine Products’ general manager Phil Bourgeois said: “As one of the world’s leading marine fuel and lubricant suppliers, we’re delighted to be exhibiting at Posidonia this year again, as it is a key event for us. It gives us a chance to meet with both the Greeks and the wider shipping community.”

Castrol Marine is also sponsoring the Ship Soccer Tournament on 6 June, one of the three major parallel sporting events organised during the Posidonia week. Others are with the well established Lloyd’s Register sponsored Posidonia Sailing Cup and the eagerly awaited inaugural Golfplay Tournament. The Golf Tournament, to take place at the Glyfada golf course, is a new event in the Posidonia programme, and has been a long-standing request of both exhibitors and visitors to the exhibition.

As the main drivers behind the recovery, much of the attention is expected to be on attendees from India and China. Both countries are sending their largest delegations yet to the event. According to the organisers of Posidonia, the pace of growth of the two economies is estimated to continue unabated and their insatiable appetite for energy and commodity resources, and strong export outlooks are likely to increase demand for seaborne trade, curbing overcapacity concerns on certain trade lanes.

“Every two years Posidonia is the barometer of global shipping trends, reflecting the sector’s pace of growth and prevailing sentiments in boardrooms across key shipping markets worldwide,” said Nana Michael, managing director, Posidonia Events S.A. “At Posidonia 2010, the world’s maritime community will examine the impact of the global financial meltdown on seaborne trade, ports, logistics and newbuildings,” she said. “With its first-ever National Pavilion, India signals significant growth potential for the international shipping industry as the subcontinent powerhouse’s economy continues to project handsome 9% growth rates for 2010,” said Michael. “China, a traditional Posidonia heavyweight, will also surpass previous appearances by staging two national pavilions for the first time at Posidonia 2010.”

The Asian domination of world shipbuilding’s fortunes will further be highlighted at Posidonia 2010 with the large-scale participation of Japan, Korea and Singapore and the stand-alone presence of some of the region’s largest shipyards. At the time of writing, the combined Far East presence at Posidonia 2010 is already 45% larger than in the 2008 Exhibition, emphasising both the importance of the region and the amount of business they expect to be conducting.

The Middle East will also have a strong presence, says Michael: “We are seeing many new bookings in floor space from both the private and government sectors in the Middle East, with Oman Dry Dock Company and Sharjah and Hamriyah Free Zone Authority as examples.

Some 20,000 trade visitors are expected to attend the exhibition, breaking the previous record set in 2008. This number is likely to grow as the world is emerging from the recession, with many of them expected to focus on three key growth areas: shipbuilding, ship equipment and service industries. Organisers also expect to welcome more than 1,700 exhibitors from 80 countries.