Nations roll up for Posidonia '94 expo
MORE than 850 companies from 44 countries have so far booked space at Posidonia '94, to be held in Greece at the Piraeus Port Authority's waterfront exhibition centre from June 6 to 10.
A further 400 are still finalising their space requirements, ensuring that all three levels of exhibition halls will be used.
Posidonia managing director Nana Michael said the high level of interest reflected ''just how important the industry considers the exhibition and events associated with it''.
The US participants, led by the Council of American Shipbuilders, will have the largest pavilion, along with strong Indian, Australian and Spanish presence.
Thirteen national pavilions have been confirmed, with several others in the pipeline.
Britain, under the banner of the British Marine Equipment Council, is mounting one of its most impressive displays of marine capability ever.
Italy, Germany, Japan, France, the Netherlands, Brazil, Singapore, South Korea and China are also substantial participants.
Several emerging eastern European countries will also be represented.
The Greek presence is building up, with a larger-than-usual number of companies exhibiting equipment and services developed domestically.
''The fact that so many Greek companies are having stands stresses the development within Greek shipping as it tackles management and operational requirements. Many of the companies will present systems to aid management,'' Ms Michael said.
Every facet of the maritime industry is covered, from standard to the most high-technology equipment now aiding ship management.
This year's Posidonia Forum, to be held on June 9, is also a big attraction.
The forum is organised through close co-operation with the Union of Greek Shipowners.
The exhibition is sponsored by, among others, the Greek Ministry of Mercantile Marine, the Municipality of Piraeus, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, the Union of Greek Shipowners and the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee.
