23 June 2026
Expanded Hub, vibrant networking, and industry collaboration mark another successful year at Seawork
British Marine enjoyed a highly successful return to Seawork 2026, further strengthening its presence at Europe’s leading commercial marine and workboat exhibition.
Building on momentum from previous years, the association expanded its footprint with a dedicated British Marine Hub, bringing together a group of innovative member companies under one central banner.
Featuring five exhibiting members, the hub showcased the strength and diversity of the British Marine network. Returning for a second consecutive year was Fireboy-Xintex UK Operations Ltd, alongside first-time hub exhibitors HPi Verification Services Ltd, The Pontoon and Dock Company Ltd, Index Marine Ltd, and Helix. The collaborative space provided a valuable platform for members to connect, share expertise and raise their profile within the commercial marine sector and was expertly run by Association Manager Nickie Sanders and Association Executive Lisa Jupp, who ensured a welcoming and engaging environment for all visitors and exhibitors throughout the show.
The event officially began on Tuesday 9 June with the Commercial Marine AGM and Networking Breakfast, attracting around 30 attendees. The session offered a valuable opportunity for members to come together, exchange ideas and discuss the future direction of the association. Conversations reflected a shared commitment to strengthening the sector and enhancing member value.
Throughout the day, British Marine’s Technical Director, Ed Tuite, was on hand both at the hub and across the exhibition, meeting with members to discuss current technical challenges, developments and ongoing projects. His presence reinforced the association’s commitment to supporting members with expert guidance and industry insight.
Wednesday brought a packed programme of activity, beginning with a joint Supply Chain Networking Lunch, hosted in collaboration with The Workboat Association and the UK Ministry of Defence. With approximately 80 delegates in attendance, the event was widely praised for fostering meaningful connections across the supply chain. The positive feedback received has already sparked interest in making this a returning feature for 2027.
Later that afternoon, the hub came alive for the much-anticipated Networking Drinks Reception, kindly sponsored by Fireboy-Xintex UK Operations Ltd. The event also hosted the presentation of the Commercial Marine and Propulsion & Equipment Sector Awards, celebrating excellence across the industry. Around 35 attendees joined the session, creating an engaging and relaxed environment for networking and recognition.
Thursday’s Training and Careers Day marked another highlight, with the British Marine Training Team, Manj Mahey, Vicki Crossley and Owen McIntee joining the hub. They spent the day engaging with members, sharing updates on upcoming training courses and gathering valuable feedback on future learning needs. Discussions also focused on the exciting launch of the new British Marine Training Academy, set to go live later this year, which promises to enhance skills development across the sector.
Despite some challenging weather conditions, Seawork 2026 proved to be another outstanding event for British Marine. The growing scale of the hub, combined with a strong programme of networking and engagement opportunities, reflects the association’s continued commitment to supporting its members and championing the UK marine industry.
With momentum building year on year, plans are already in motion for an even bigger presence in 2027.
For more information on exhibiting as part of the British Marine Hub at Seawork 2027, please contact NSanders@britishmarine.co.uk.