Marintec China, a highly regarded event bringing together the international maritime industry, has been growing in popularity since 1981. This follows a strong momentum of the Chinese industry over the last decade, which has propelled China to become the third largest shipbuilding country in the world. The conference and exhibition, organised by CMP/Seatrade and the Shanghai Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers, will be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre from 2 to 5 December 2003. A remarkable 30% increase over the last event is expected which further reinforces past visitors’ views that Marintec is an excellent platform for the exchange of ideas and business development in this huge booming market.

According to the research published in one of the recent Drewry Shipping Consultants reports “China Shipyards: Capacity, Competition and Challenges”, Chinese industry continues expanding rapidly and is currently operating well below full capacity. A threefold increase in shipbuilding capacity is expected by 2005/6 which may more than double China’s market share from the current 7% to 16% on a global scale. While 1200 yards have been identified in China, about 70 yards represent the major shipbuilding and shiprepair capacity, and all are showing spectacular growth of facility development signaling fast growing market.

The Senior Maritime Forum, running in parallel with the trade show, will focus on “The Challenge and Strategy of the Global Maritime Industry in the New Century”. The Forum, typically attended by representatives from influential maritime companies and associations from around the globe, will also present a new Procurement Session. This important session will feature chief purchasing officials from CSSC, CSIC and CSTC representing various Chinese shipbuilding groups who want to present their procurement strategies, current and future requirements and how this relates to the marine equipment suppliers. Clearly, it is an opportunity for international maritime companies that want to develop better understanding of the various procurement needs of Chinese maritime companies and want to increase their competitiveness in that market.