THE organisers of Europe’s biggest commercial marine and workboat exhibition say they are “doing all we can” to ensure it takes place this year after being forced to postpone it.

Seawork and its sister event the Marine and Coastal Civil Engineering Expo were due to be held in Southampton from June 9-11, with Speed@Seawork to be held on June 8.

The events were delayed as the coronavirus situation worsened.

Organiser Mercator Media said: “We are aware that the events are vital business tools in the commercial marine industry and regret that we have had to take this decision.

“Here at Mercator Media we are doing all we can to ensure the events can take place in 2020. Our experienced team can react swiftly to developing events to enable us to continue to produce the exhibition when it is possible and prudent to do so.

“We have been running Seawork successfully for 22 years and have always worked closely with our valued exhibitors, sponsors, supporters and contractors. We will continue to do so to facilitate their participation in the rescheduled event.

“Our aim is to produce Seawork, M&CCE Expo and Speed@Seawork, in similar formats to the planned June events, including keynote speeches, vessel and equipment launches, press calls, conferences, feature days and awards.

“As ever our primary concern is the health and safety of our exhibitors, visitors and staff and we will, of course, continue to monitor advice and the latest information from the UK Government and the World Health Organisation on the spread and effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

“We recognise there will be many questions, particularly in reference to the new dates of the rescheduled event.

“These are fast-moving times and we thank you for your patience and understanding during what is an unprecedented situation for us all.”

A line-up of industry speakers was being arranged for this year’s Seawork.

The event takes place at a specially built marina at Mayflower Park.

Last year’s Seawork was opened by maritime minister Nusrat Ghani, who said at the time: “Seawork is one of the highlights of the maritime calendar, showcasing an industry that contributes over £3 billion to our economy. This event also demonstrates the range of opportunities on offer in this exciting sector.”

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