25 November 2024
by British MarineInnovation, networking, and award wins mark a standout year for British Marine members at the world's largest marine trade exhibition
British Marine members celebrated another outstanding METSTRADE, as Amsterdam played host to the world’s largest trade show for marine equipment, materials, and systems. Recording its highest ever attendance of leading marine professionals from across the globe, the event reaffirmed its position as the premier platform for innovation, networking, and business in the global marine industry.
With over 40 British Marine member companies showcasing their products and services within the British Pavilion (Hall 3), and an additional seven members exhibiting in the Superyacht Pavilion (Halls 10-11), the UK marine industry was well-represented at this year’s METSTRADE (19-21 November).
The three-day show kicked off with the much-anticipated Breakfast Briefing, followed by the announcement of the DAME Design Award winners. Since its inception in 1991, the DAME Awards have celebrated excellence in marine product design and innovation, and this year, six British Marine members were among the prestigious nominees.
Congratulations to all those shortlisted, with a special mention to Raymarine, who, for the third consecutive year, claimed one of the prestigious DAME Awards. This year, they triumphed in the ‘Navigation and Communication’ category with their innovative RSW Wired Smart Wind Transducer. Additional congratulations go to Henri-Lloyd and GN Espace, who received special mentions in their respective categories.
In response to their overall category win Grégoire Outters, General Manager at Raymarine remarked: “We are thrilled to be announced as a winner at the 2024 DAME Design Awards. The RSW Wind Transducer can give exceptional data accuracy and reliability, benefiting every sailor, from cruisers to racers.”
The excitement continued on Wednesday morning with the return of the ‘Women in the Marine Industry International’ networking and panel discussion. Co-hosted by British Marine, Soundings Trade Only, METSTRADE, and Marine Industry News, and supported by Barton Marine, the event attracted over 150 attendees eager to hear from a panel of dynamic female leaders.
The panel, featuring Anne Dunbar, Executive Director of IBEX; Gabbi Richardson, Founder of Yachting Ventures; Rhoda Schnitzer, Leadership & Culture Director at Lippert EMEA; Helena Lennerstedt, CEO of Humphree and Jemma Lampkin, Global Business Director at AkzoNobel Yacht Coatings, captivated the audience with their insights. Focusing on the theme ‘Visions of the Future: The Impact of Technology, AI, and People on the Future of Work,’ the panel discussed how emerging technologies and a renewed focus on talent and diversity are reshaping the marine industry.
Reflecting on the event, Lesley Robinson commented, “This year’s Women in the Marine Industry International event was once again a tremendous success. The calibre of speakers and the depth of discussion underscored the importance of inclusive events like this. It was fantastic to see the strong turnout and the appetite for dialogue on the future of our industry.”
Heading into early evening on Wednesday, British Marine hosted its annual networking reception at the British Marine stand. The event brought together exhibitors, visiting members, and key industry stakeholders for an informal gathering. With complimentary refreshments, lively conversations, and a fantastic atmosphere, the reception was the perfect opportunity to strengthen connections, celebrate successes, and unwind after a busy day at the show.
The reception also featured brief remarks from British Marine Chair, Matthew Beckwith, who highlighted the importance of fostering collaboration and supporting the international growth of UK marine businesses.
Later that evening, the spotlight turned to the 10th anniversary of the Boat Builder Awards, held at the historic National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam. This year’s event marked a decade of excellence in boat building, with four British Marine members earning nominations for their outstanding contributions—and all four triumphing in their respective categories. Congratulations to Sunseeker International, Volvo Penta, Beneteau Group, and Williams Jet Tenders on their well-deserved wins.
Throughout the event, the British Marine stand was a hive of activity, serving as a central hub for networking, meetings, and business opportunities, with complimentary refreshments provided throughout. British Marine representatives were also on hand throughout to support exhibitors and ensure members made the most of their time at METSTRADE.
This year, the support from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) enabled several companies new to METSTRADE or returning since 2019 to join the British Pavilion. This valuable initiative not only aimed to boost their international exposure but to pave the way for them to grow as future independent exhibitors, strengthening British Marine’s presence on the global stage.
Lesley concluded by saying: “METSTRADE is the world’s premier marine trade show, and we are proud to offer our members an exceptional platform to connect with global buyers, showcase their innovations, and expand their market reach. The positive feedback and level of engagement at the British Pavilion speak volumes about the value of our presence here.
Looking ahead to METSTRADE 2025, we are excited to announce that the British Pavillion will be even bigger, with more space dedicated to showcasing the best of British marine innovation. Additionally, we are pleased to confirm that British Marine members will have double the space available in the brand-new Superyacht Pavillion, located in a prime position within the newly expanded Hall 8. These exclusive opportunities are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t miss out on this fantastic chance to expand your international presence. Contact Ella at edavies@britishmarine.co.uk to secure your place at METSTRADE 2025 today.
What the exhibitors said:
- Neville Snell, Marine Hygiene
The show for us as a relatively new business has exceeded our expectations. We have met clients and partners that we would never have had access to if we had not been here. The team at British Marine have been really supportive and informative. We will be back next year, hopefully with both British Marine and DBT.
- Christopher Fearnley, Index Marine
This year’s show has been a successful one for us. We have made connections and met many new potential partners. The show this year has had great attendance and is getting better every year. We hope to be back here with British Marine again next year.
- Crispin Lennox, Hypro Marine
This is our first time as an exhibitor at METSTRADE having visited for many years. We were keen to exhibit and now, with the help of British Marine, we have taken this excellent opportunity to showcase our British made products.
- Elias A. Elia, Chief Marketing Officer, Bowan International Group
Attending METSTRADE for the first time was an incredible experience. Bowman International felt the event was a truly resounding success, exceeding all expectations. The organisation was flawless, and the atmosphere was vibrant and engaging. We had the opportunity to connect with prospective customers and industry leaders as well as discover innovative products and gain valuable insights. This highly regarded marine show provided a perfect platform for networking and collaboration and we are already looking forward to participating again next year. Our immense gratitude must go to the organisers for putting together such a fantastic event in an exceptionally welcoming city!
- Joseph Salmon, Managing Director, Salmon Marine
We’ve had a really great show. What we wanted to get from it was not to necessarily draw people to our stand but to use it as a platform to meet with other distributors rather than relying on footfall coming to us. It allowed us to have pre-arranged meetings, meet other exhibitors and use this as a base and for that it’s been absolutely brilliant. If British Marine offers this again, we will definitely be back next year.
- Simon Steadman, Commercial Director, Bluefin LED.
“METSTRADE 2024 was a great success and positive show for Bluefin LED, and in our 10th Anniversary year it was special to celebrate this milestone with our current customers and distribution network, this year at the RAI. METSTRADE is always great to be a part of, with every sector in marine and every country represented, it never fails to show case the latest innovations, and spark thought provoking discussions within the industry.”
- Abigail Olingschlaeger, Associate Director, GN Espace
We’ve had a really good show. There’s been a lot of serious new and old contacts coming through and we’re really noticing a shift in the interest in electrics in the industry and seeing more interest in our fully electric cooking ranges which reflect the way that our industry is going. A real highlight for us has been the special mention for us in the DAME awards. Receiving that mention has shown that innovation doesn’t always need to be high-tech and complex, actually sometimes it’s good to look back at previous ways of cooking and that’s exactly what we did. Creating a really simple design that is changing the way that people can cook, and they are able to save valuable electricity when they are out at sea for long periods of time.
- Paul Harris, Director of Clyde Marine Leather
METSTRADE is an important show that we attend every year. It allows us to speak directly to existing and potential customers from all over the world about our marine suede for wheels and lines. Being located in the British Pavillion with British Marine works really well for us and we are looking forward to returning in 2025.
- Chris Copper, Business Development & Account Manager, Makefast Ltd
Makefast Marine has had an exceptional experience at METSTRADE 2024. Standout highlights included engaging discussions with customers and industry leaders and the vibrant atmosphere of the show. We look forward to the prospect of returning in 2025 with British Marine, further contributing to the success of this premier marine trade show.
- Mark Penny, Chief Commercial Officer, Energy Solutions
As ever, we find the show really good to meet new and existing clients and we certainly want to support it going forward. We’ve managed to talk about a number of projects that we’re going to put quotations into and met a number of new customers that are going to be supplier of our products. We will definitely be back for METSTRADE 2025.
- Stuart James, Sales Director, Marlec Engineering Company
The show has been fantastic for us. METS is always a successful show for us. It’s the one show where so many of our customers, our dealers and our suppliers can be found in one place. From our point of view, as an exhibitor, it’s a worthwhile experience, especially being supported by British Marine as well. It’s a no brainer in terms of attending next year. It’s the one exhibition I can say as soon as the first morning is done, I know it’s worthwhile. It’s a great show and we look forward to coming back next year.
- Nigel Bird, Managing Director, Bird Stainless
This is our 7th year at METSTRADE. The show is a great networking facility, we’ve seen customers from Europe, England, and all over. It’s a great way to meet and greet and to catch up with people face to face.
- Sophie Robertson, Sales Manager, Atlas Carbon Products
“Atlas has had an incredible experience at METSTRADE 2024. We have met new and existing customers from all over the world and British Marine have been excellent throughout. We look forward to exhibiting next year in the new and improved Superyacht Pavilion.”
- Jack Miller, General Manager, Custom Marine Developments (CMD)
“Exhibiting with British Marine in the Superyacht Pavilion allows CMD to access the best Superyacht show in the world, the team are very friendly and helpful. The British Marine staffed stand is ideal for us as it gives us a base and a meeting place, whilst also allowing us to go out and explore the show and meet customers and contacts.”
- Ben Collett, Managing Director, Carbinium Engeering
“The show has been very good for us, it’s only the second time we’ve exhibited at METS in the Superyacht Pavilion. Last year, it was all about introducing ourselves and visitors seeing us as a new company but this year we’re much more focussed on active projects with people and projects we can quote for. We’ve seen similar numbers of people to what we saw last year when we were DAME award nominated with our swim ladder and for us it’s not about the quantity of people but the quality of people coming to see us and the opportunity for us to meet people that we would not be able to do outside of METS. We are certainly looking forward to coming back to METS in 2025 with an expanded areas for British Marine in the Superyacht Pavilion.”