Confidence Grows with Record Breaking SMM 2002

The Shipbuilding, Machinery & Marine Technology International Trade Fair will have attracted a spectacular 1,414 exhibitors from 52 countries for its run from 24-28 September, with some 65,000 m 2of exhibition space spread across 12 halls focusing on world shipbuilding and related marine equipment industries. The event is expected to draw over 35,000 decisionmaking visitors from over 50 countries.

Despite an uncertain economic climate which was worsened by the events of 11 September 2001, some 160 companies will be presenting themselves for the first time at SMM 2002, with firms from the nations of Curacao, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Slovenia, the United Arab Emirates, Zimbabwe and Cyprus giving those countries debut representation.

SMM’s status as the world’s leading shipbuilding fair has brought China onboard as this year’s official partner country, with some 70 Chinese companies exhibiting in Hall 1. China’s interest in SMM corresponds with a national strategy to improve its standing as a shipbuilding nation with an unprecedented production offensive and a drive to raise its technological level.

A near 4% increase in SMM exhibitor numbers reflects economic indicators in the USA pointing towards recovery and the fact that innovations, many of which will be on display at SMM, particularly in the areas of propulsion and ship management systems, make ship operation more economical, thus encouraging owners to replace older units earlier. Indeed, some 2,700 newbuildings were on order worldwide at the end of 2001, enough to keep shipbuilders busy for two years on average.

Safety has become a significant factor in shipbuilding, informing ship design, automation and navigation as the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) develops new regulations which are currently phasing out single-hull tankers. The IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) is now turning its attention to passenger ships. A study group within the MSC is developing proposals for ship design which will include the subdivision of ships, bridge design, towing devices, fire protection, evacuation and life saving equipment.

These proposals will have a considerable influence on shipbuilding and marine equipment when they enter into force as IMO regulations.

Shipbuilding will also evolve with regard to security in the wake of 11 September 2001.

Last November the IMO announced that existing international regulations for preventing and dealing with terrorist attacks and improving safety at sea and on land were being reviewed. The resolution recommends an extension of IMO ship safety regulations beyond passenger ships to include tankers. The first proposal calls for the installation of concealed alarm systems in existing LNG and oil tankers, other cargo vessels transporting hazardous materials, and passenger ships.

In the arena of vessel propulsion, systems based on electric motors will be in the spotlight at SMM 2002. The advantages of podded propulsion systems, with the electric motor installed in a gondola outside the hull to create more space within the ship, enhance manoeuvrability and reduce fuel consumption via improved hydrodynamic parameters on the hull, are now being appreciated by operators of smaller vessels.

ABB, which launched its compact azipod system at SMM 2000, has reported a healthy order book for the new technology.

Schottel will use SMM 2002 to launch their own gondola electric propulsion system, the Schottel Electric Propulsor (SEP), which it makes in conjunction with electric motor supplier Siemens. Available from the end of this year, the SEP will supplement the existing product range of steerable and conventional propulsion and manoeuvring units.

A record number of events will also be provided by the supporting programme at SMM. Over 50 conferences, seminars, workshops, symposia and colloquia will be staged by associations, companies and state organisations over the five days of the fair. Highlights of the supporting programme will include CIMAC Day, spotlighting future trends in propulsion technology, the presentation of the AMVER Award by the US Coast Guard to shipping lines, the two day Global Shipbuilding Summit and the ‘Ship of the Year Awards’.