A Plymouth boat show highlighting the latest in eco-friendly technology was such a success in 2021 it is to be repeated this year and include a special forum on protecting the environment.
MDL Marinas is organising the second Green Tech Boat Show, in Britain’s Ocean City, and is also running another event, the South Coast Boat Show, again in Southampton.
Following the success of MDL’s first Green Tech Boat Show, the event will take place again at Queen Anne’s Battery marina, from June 16 to 18, 2022.
Designed specifically for boat owners wishing to make their boating experience as environmentally friendly and sustainable as possible, the scope of the Green Tech Boat Show has expanded to incorporate a new trade element.
Owing to collaboration between MDL and Maritime UK South West, the first day of this year’s show will feature the Clean Marine Innovation Showcase, a unique forum for Government, researchers and businesses working towards a cleaner marine environment to come together to exchange ideas, highlight new innovations and network with like minded organisations.
“Commercially viable solutions are already available for some areas of the sector – buyers just don’t know enough about them yet,” said Sheldon Ryan, from Maritime UK SW. "In certain areas innovation is required that needs collaboration both within and from outside the sector.
“As part of the Green Tech Boat Show, the Clean Marine Innovation Showcase enables significant progress to be made in bringing the market together in one place. We are very pleased to collaborate with MDL Marinas again in 2022 to make this happen.”
Aimed at investors and innovators, the showcase will be invitation only and hosted at the University of Plymouth’s Marine Station which is adjacent to the marina.
The following two days of the Green Tech Boat Show will be open to the public, with a focus on helping boat owners and prospective boat owners understand what is available to them when it comes to making the switch to greener options.
“We know that boat owners want to see the changes taking place in their work environments reflected in their leisure time,” said Tim Mayer, MDL’s sales and marketing director.
“But it's confusing. While an increasing number of companies in the marine world are focused on bringing green technologies to the fore, some consumers struggle to unpick the sustainable options now available to them.”
To address the complexities of green marine technologies, in addition to an extensive range of eco-focused exhibitors, the Friday and Saturday of the show will incorporate an Innovation Hub sponsored by the University of Plymouth, which is among the UK’s leading proponents of clean maritime research and innovation.
The research will be presented in a user-friendly format, and businesses and organisations at the cutting edge of clean marine technological innovation will be on hand to demonstrate how their products contribute to combating climate change, while still enabling people to enjoy time out on the water and the benefits that brings.
“Our aim with the Green Tech Boat Show, and its new Innovation Hub, is to present as much information as possible to the boating public in a simple and practical way,” said Mr Mayer.
“Showcasing the many different green technologies next to each other will allow people to understand what’s available, and how it works so that they can have a greener, more sustainable boating experience.”
With more landside stands and on water exhibits this year, the show is building in size and importance from a marine industry perspective, locally and nationally.
Exhibitors confirmed so far include: Marine Energy Systems, Maritime UK South West, North Devon Marine, Pixii Electric Boats, RS Electric Boats, University of Plymouth and Vita Yachts.
Meanwhile, the South Coast Boat Show will return to MDL’s flagship Ocean Village Marina, in Southampton, for the third time, this year from May 6 to 8.
Featuring the marine industry’s most exciting and innovative global power and sail brands, the South Coast Boat Show will also showcase an extensive range of ancillary services such as associated gear, finance and insurance.
“Owing to its carefully curated selection of boats ready to go, this show is an absolute must for serious buyers who are looking to purchase a brand-new vessel immediately to get out on the water this coming season, or within the next six to 18 months,” said Mr Mayer.
“Understanding the value of a show focused on generating strong leads and direct sales, we’ve got many exhibitors from last year returning in 2022, as well as some new faces, both on and off the water.”
On the water, brands that have confirmed their attendance include: Arcona, Axopar, Beneteau Power and Sail, Broadblue Catamarans, Dehler, Dufour Yachts, Fjord, Fountaine Pajot, Galeon Yachts, Grand Soleil, Hanse, Hylas, J/Boats, Jeanneau, Lagoon Catamarans, Moody, Nautitech, Princess, Saxdor, Sealine, Seaward, Solaris, Viko and X-Yachts.
Exhibitors already signed up for space shoreside include: General Yachting & Leisure Finance, JDK Marine, Pantaenius Yacht Insurance, Ship Shape Bedding and Vanclaes Stainless Steel Boat Trailers.
