GUANGZHOU, CHINA, Wednesday, December 5, 2018 - The 8th edition of international maritime expo INMEX China opens today to much anticipation and excitement at the Poly World Trade Center, Guangzhou, China.
The biennial event – a hotspot of the newest and most innovative maritime technology, products and services – is the definitive event for visitors sourcing for the latest maritime solutions, as well as to meet key industry decision-makers from maritime powerhouses and explore potential business opportunities. Featuring national pavilions, local and international exhibitors, and high-powered seminars, INMEX China is expecting more than 15,000 visitors, a 30% increase from the last edition.
New Cruise Build Extension In response to the exponential growth of the cruise shipbuilding industry in China, the expo is launching a new extension, INMEX China - Cruise Build, dedicated wholly to the cruise community, bringing together leading cruise companies and suppliers for exciting business opportunities, networking events, and insightful seminars. It is supported by the Cruise & Yacht Professional Committee of Guangdong Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, and the China National Cruise Design Alliance.
One of the highlights is the Cruise Build – Germany Marine Technology&Innovation Seminar, led by the Germany national pavilion and featuring top organizations from the German maritime industry.

“International Cooperation” Key to Healthy Maritime Future
This year, national pavilions from China, Germany, Norway, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, The Netherlands, UAE and others will be present to tap on the burgeoning demand for maritime technologies and products in China. Also exhibiting are international and local companies and brands from dozens of industries in the maritime sector, including shipbuilding and repairs, interior suppliers, architects and designers, cargo handling systems, as well as electronics and electrical engineering.
Mr. Erlend Prytz, CEO of Norwegian Maritime Exporters, who is in the Norway pavilion, said: "Norwegian Maritime Exporters serves as an important link between partner companies in Norway and the global maritime industry, and we are very pleased to be bringing Norwegian companies to INMEX China this year to showcase Norway's new innovative maritime products to Asia. International co-operation based on open markets is a main success factor for a common healthy maritime future."

The Best of German Expertise
Mr. Hauke Schlegel, Managing Director of VDMA - German Marine Equipment and Systems Association, said: "INMEX China is the leading ship technology exhibition in South China. This year, with a special focus on cruise and ferry shipbuilding, the German exhibitors are looking forward to sharing technical know-how and to new co-operation opportunities with Chinese partners."
The seminar will showcase the latest marine technology and innovation from top German maritime organizations such as SCHOTTEL GmbH, SICK AG, WISKA Hoppmann GmbH, Siemens AG, and G. Theodor Freese GmbH. Topics in the VDMA seminar include: Efficient Propulsion for Ferries and Cruise Vessels; Intelligent Sensor Solutions for the Cruise Industry; and High Quality and State-of-the-Art Decking and Flooring Systems for Cruise & Ferry.

Vast Opportunities in China
Guangzhou Port, one of the busiest seaports in the world with its strategic location linking China with the ASEAN countries, is the world's gateway to Asia. China's maritime economy has expanded by 7.5% in the recent five years, accounting for nearly 10% of the country's GDP, according to a report on Chinadaily.com. The country aims to increase the gross production value of its maritime industry by 2020, and have it account for around 15 percent of the country's GDP by 2035.
A panel conducted by research company IHS Market concluded that China will become one of the biggest factors to shape the future of the energy and maritime sector in the next five to ten years. "We are happy to be exhibiting at INMEX China once again. Singapore and China are among the top maritime hubs in Asia, and as such, it will be beneficial to the maritime industry players from both nations if we could learn from one another and at the same time, explore business collaborations," said Dr. Ahmad Magad, Secretary-General, Singapore Manufacturing Federation.
Mrs. Marjan Lacet, Trade Promotion Manager of Netherlands Maritime Technology, added, "We are very pleased to be back at INMEX China. It is the largest and most established international maritime event in the South China Sea region and the 8th edition will feature a greater range of cutting-edge maritime technologies and equipment from both local and international exhibitors."

Connecting the Global Maritime Industry
Mr. Jack Wei, General Manager of Informa Exhibitions and co-organizer of INMEX China 2018, shared: "INMEX China 2018 has grown from strength to strength with each edition, and we are proud to be the bridge that connects the many different aspects of the global maritime industry. We are certain the introduction of Cruise Build this year will open up another facet of the industry that will bind the fraternity closer.”
Mr. Rick Zhang, Managing Director of AUCH Exhibition Services Co. Ltd and co-organizer of INMEX China 2018, added: "We have the biggest international maritime powerhouses exhibiting here, extensive seminars and conferences, influential buyers, and countless networking opportunities jam-packed into three days under one roof. It will be a very fruitful time for all, and we wish all exhibitors, buyers and visitors success."

Seminars on Latest Trends & Developments
INMEX China 2018 will also host a multitude of power-packed conferences and seminars concurrently, like: 1) The 2nd China Shipbuilding Industry Transformation, Upgrading and Quality Development Conference; 2) The 2018 Guangdong, Shanghai and Liaoning Chief Engineer Seminar; 3) The 4th China Green Shipbuilding Technology Summit; 4) The 2018 Global Cruise (Passenger Ship) Design and Construction Seminar; 5) Green Ship Repairing – Application of Laser Technology in Ship Repair; and 6) The 3rd Maritime Technology and Development (Guangzhou) Seminar.
Some of the topics will feature emphasis on environmentally-friendly methods, like The Vibrant Greater Bay Area - Driving Green Kinetic Energy; Systematic Advancement of Green Shipbuilding; The Current Situation and Development Trends of Deep Sea Clean Energy Technology; Interpretation of Green Energy Policy for Water Transportation; and Green Ship Repairing - Application of Laser Cladding Technology in Ship Repair. For the full list of topics and timings, please refer to Appendix 1 for the INMEX China 2018 Conference Agenda.