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Posidonia 2024 Venue Overflows Due to Unprecedented Exhibitor Demand
Over 2,000 companies from 82 countries to showcase maritime products and services at record-breaking ‘home of shipping’ event
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Applied Technology Review | Friday, May 31, 2024
Over 2,000 companies from 82 countries to showcase maritime products and services at record-breaking ‘home of shipping’ event
The greatest shipping exhibition on earth starts on Monday 3rd June at the Athens Metropolitan Expo which will be flooded with over 40,000 maritime professionals from around the world as the industry is convening once again to interact, network, share learnings of times past and foresights for what lies ahead.
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Posidonia 2024 is the biggest in the biennial event’s six decades of existence with organisers confirming that 2,030 exhibitors from 82 countries will be showcasing their offering indoors the expansive exhibition floor and in some outdoors areas of the venue to accommodate overwhelming demand.
“Posidonia 2024 will be larger in scale than ever before in the event’s history. Our needs have well exceeded the exhibition space, and it is now imperative to build additional exhibition halls. To accommodate exhibitors this year, we have also proceeded with outdoor booths,” said Theodore Vokos, Managing Director, Posidonia Exhibitions S.A. Participation at the Posidonia Games, the sporting events which take place the weekend before Posidonia, has skyrocketed and some 4,000 shipping professionals are expected to compete for the coveted Posidonia sailing, golf, soccer, basketball and running trophies.
“Both geopolitical turmoil in many parts of the world and the need for decarbonisation, along with corresponding environmental regulations, create a mix of challenges that the Greek shipping industry is called upon to address. This year's increased participation in Posidonia reflects the industry's need to come together, discuss new developments, and find ways to tackle the new environmental regulations head-on,” added Vokos.
This year's Posidonia reflects the dynamism of Greek shipping, which has entered a continuous development trajectory aimed at the qualitative and technological upgrading of its vessels, as well as diversification of its overall product.
Of the 96 new or returning exhibitors, who have come back after a long absence, 25 are from Greece, demonstrating that the country has an inexhaustible source of equipment manufacturers and service providers for the shipping industry.
Furthermore, from international participation, significant entries come from the United Arab Emirates with ten companies and India with eight companies. In addition, this year's Posidonia hosts 23 national pavilions. The most significant increase was recorded by China, which, after the pandemic, returned stronger, with 180 companies, marking an almost 50% increase in participation. Following closely is Turkey, with a 10% increase.
The global nature of the exhibition is reflected this year in the largest participation of national registries ever recorded at the event. In total, 16 national flags are represented including Panama, Liberia, Marshall Islands, Cayman Islands, Hong Kong, Bahamas, Cyprus, Malta, Beliz, and Palau, as well as newcomers like the British Virgin Islands, Guinea-Bissau, San Marino, Sierra Leone, Barbados, St. Kitts & Nevis.
Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Christos Stylianides, said: "Shipping in Greece is an important driver of economic development and employment. Given its leading position in global shipping, our constant pursuit is to increase its contribution to the Greek economy to match its competitive position. And the successful organisation of Posidonia contributes substantially and decisively in this direction.”
Dr George Pateras, President, Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, commented: “This is a landmark year for Posidonia with over 2000 exhibitors from over 80 countries. This world-renowned exhibition does not only provide a platform for innovators to show their wares, but the perfect forum for the exchange of theories and ideas. This year sustainability will be the buzz word for all the networking huddles and along the corridors of power. Time to enjoy this extraordinary exhibition and the perfect hospitality of Greece and the Aegean.”
John C. Lyras, member of the Union of Greek Shipowners Board of Directors, said: “'Greek Shipping's successful entrepreneurial business model and tradition continues to secure the uninterrupted provision of essential cargoes to the world's nations at the lowest transportation cost. This success is reflected in the size and extent of the Posidonia Exhibition and associated activities comprising the foremost biennial event in the international shipping calendar. Greek Shipping is consequently well placed to meet the formidable and unprecedented challenges that climate change and decarbonisation present and calls upon the regulators and all stakeholders to properly consider the knowledge and experience Greek Shipping can provide in meeting these challenges optimally.”
Dimitris Karydis, Vice Mayor of Programming and Sustainable Development of the Municipality of Piraeus, speaking on behalf of Mayor Yiannis Moralis, said: "For us, it is important that one of the main matters to be highlighted at this year's Posidonia is the new environmental rules for Shipping. Like every big city-port, Piraeus must deal with the matter of environmental pollution. This is a big challenge, and it is important that all stakeholders involved to collaborate in order tackle this issue even more urgently."
The Posidonia Conference and Seminar programme has significantly expanded this year, featuring over 68 events organised by entities from 16 countries. Consequently, and in synergy with pre-show sailing, soccer, basketball, golf, and running events, Posidonia 2024 will extend over a two-week period to accommodate the multitude of activities and conferences leading up to the main event.
As a result, the revenue generated for the national economy is expected to exceed the Euro 80m mark, both due to the increased number of exhibitors and visitors, and because of the extended duration, further highlighting the significant contribution of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) sector to tourism revenues.
Posidonia is the first exhibition in Greece to receive ISO certification as a sustainable event, underscoring the organisers’ commitment to minimising environmental impact and maximising economic benefits for the local economy and businesses.
Posidonia 2024 is organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping and the Union of Greek Shipowners and with the support of the Municipality of Piraeus and the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee.
London : The 3rd edition of the London Climate Technology Show concluded last week, paving a vital roadmap towards fully decarbonising our planet through sustainable technologies. The event brought together policymakers, eco-technology leaders, industry professionals, and innovators, all unified in their call for an immediate shift to sustainable and green solutions to secure a better future for the planet.
The two-day event opened on 27th November with an inspiring keynote by Felicity Burch, Executive Director of the Responsible Technology Adoption Unit at the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT), who spoke about AI Innovation in Clean Energy and the DSIT's Manchester Prize . Following her, Ing. Abigail Cutajar, CEO of the Climate Action Authority, talked about Pioneering the Surge Towards Climate and Energy Transitions.
The conference unfolded over two dynamic days, featuring a packed agenda of insightful presentations and engaging panel discussions. It delved into actionable strategies for decarbonisation, advancements in AgriTech, the evolving carbon market, eco-funds, energy, CCS, built environment and other groundbreaking innovations in climate technology.
Notable discussions highlighted the need for farmers to balance carbon stewardship with food production over the next few decades, the importance of consistent government policies to enable businesses to plan and innovate effectively, and the urgency of addressing digital and engineering skill shortages to ensure a successful green energy transition. Industry experts also called for common sustainability metrics to measure corporate efforts fairly, emphasized the value of collaboration over competition to accelerate the green transition, and underscored the need for farmers to access landscape-level data to enhance biodiversity.
The exhibition hall featured groundbreaking innovations and solutions in sustainability and climate technology, including carbon capture and storage (CCS) from companies like CGI and Terra CO2 Technology, carbon management and accounting solutions by Greenly and Gaia Carbon Accounting, and emerging climate technologies from innovators such as Nabla Flow and Luna 9. Other exhibitors showcased AI-driven solutions, sustainable energy systems, and innovative carbon reduction technologies, presenting a comprehensive snapshot of the future of climate tech.
#CTS24 also hosted interactive side events, including startup acceleration programs and hands-on workshops, providing participants with opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration. These sessions empowered attendees to adopt transformative technologies and take decisive climate action.
Attendee Experiences
The event received overwhelming positive feedback:
● Mark Haley , Co-founder of Cero3, shared, "We’re so proud to have unveiled our sustainable travel planner. The feedback and interest exceeded our expectations."
● Satyajit Mohanan , Projects and Business Development Coordinator at Cambridge Cleantech, remarked, "It was a pleasure to be part of this event. I met amazing people and look forward to the next edition."
● Dennis Chacko , Senior Sales Manager at the British Board of Agreement, shared his excitement over a unique sustainable pen: "Once used, you can plant it to grow something new—a powerful reminder of how everyday items can contribute to a greener future."
As this successful edition concludes, the organisers are already planning for a bigger, more impactful 4th Edition , with expanded content and greater opportunities to drive meaningful change toward a sustainable future.
...Read more
The increasing human population and demand for clothing are inevitable, but manufacturers must balance their efforts without overextending themselves. AI can help meet demand without exceeding supply, ensuring the sustainability of the planet's finite resources.
Apparel manufacturing uses AI in the following ways:
Enhancing the grading of materials: Although the human eye is a remarkable instrument, it is also fallible. Grading yarn and other base materials are one area where AI improves quality control (QC).
As a result of applying AI to this area, cost savings are realized, and the fundamental materials used in apparel manufacturing can be graded more precisely. Thus, AI can maintain a higher standard for materials than humans alone, thereby increasing the quality of finished garments.
Increasing the accuracy of final product inspections: A piece of fruit can even be discerned from its skin if it has been bruised through machine learning and computer vision.
Textiles and apparel manufacturing are equally inspiring applications. The condition and salability of newly made and previously worn garments can be assessed by algorithms coupled with specialty illumination systems. By measuring the amount of light that is transmitted and reflected, AI can determine whether a piece of fabric or a garment meets current quality standards at a glance.
The likelihood of Type I and Type II errors in a manufacturing setting was 17.8 percent and 29.8 percent, respectively. In the former case, inspectors miss real defects, while in the latter, false positives are made.
Apparel manufacturers can keep costs and errors down by using AI-powered automated inspection software. Identifying substandard yarn early in the manufacturing process can deliver value throughout the supply chain.
A tailor-made solution for the apparel industry: Artificial intelligence
Another area where AI can shine is sustainable and customized manufacturing. To facilitate cheaper and less resource-intensive custom clothing manufacturing, modern imaging techniques allow end-users to create 3D renderings of their bodies. ...Read more
Practical technology is catalyzing sector convergence, which entails the dissolution of conventional distinctions among diverse industries. This phenomenon fosters novel business paradigms, value constellations, and prospects, enabling organizations to harness technologies and proficiencies beyond their primary domain.
Key Technological Catalysts
Several transformative technologies are serving as the primary drivers of industry convergence, providing the infrastructure and capabilities that enable cross-sector collaboration and the creation of new value. The Internet of Things (IoT) connects physical assets to digital networks, generating vast streams of data that integrate physical and virtual operations. For example, smartwatches and fitness trackers, initially consumer electronics, now serve the healthcare sector by supporting remote patient monitoring and preventative care. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) build on this data by enabling advanced analytics, driving smarter decision-making, and delivering hyper-personalized services across various industries. Retailers utilize AI to predict consumer trends, optimize supply chains, and personalize shopping experiences. At the same time, financial institutions leverage it for fraud detection and algorithmic trading, thereby blurring the boundaries between technology and traditional banking. Blockchain adds another dimension by offering a secure, transparent framework for managing transactions and data across multiple parties, streamlining cross-sector collaboration in areas such as supply chain management by reducing reliance on intermediaries. The rollout of 5G connectivity provides the speed and low latency necessary to support these technologies at scale, enabling real-time communication between devices and seamless integration across various industries. Autonomous vehicles, for instance, depend on instantaneous connectivity with smart city infrastructure and other cars, exemplifying the convergence of automotive, telecommunications, and urban planning.
Impact on Business and Society
Sector convergence is profoundly altering conventional business paradigms. A single product or service no longer defines enterprises; instead, they are evolving into comprehensive ecosystems that deliver an array of integrated solutions. This evolution fosters novel opportunities for innovation, concurrently introducing complexities such as navigating intricate regulatory frameworks and managing data privacy across disparate sectors. From a consumer perspective, this convergence facilitates enhanced convenience, personalization, and seamless experiences; however, it also raises concerns regarding data security and market dominance. As the trajectory of applied technology continues its advancement, the demarcations between industries will inevitably diminish, thereby ushering in a future characterized by interconnected and integrated services.
Ultimately, applied technology transcends mere efficiency; it represents a fundamental force for change, reshaping the very structure of our economy. The future will be defined by ecosystems of integrated services, where companies succeed not by dominating a single sector, but by seamlessly connecting their offerings with others. This era of convergence promises unprecedented innovation and convenience for consumers. Yet, it also necessitates a proactive approach from businesses and policymakers to navigate the challenges of regulation, data privacy, and market power. Embracing this paradigm shift is crucial for companies seeking to develop in a world where the distinctions between sectors no longer exist. ...Read more
SCADA systems have long formed the backbone of industrial automation. They play a central role in many processes, from manufacturing to utility management, providing an overview and regulation. With the advancement of technology, the future looks set to change considerably for SCADA systems. Emerging trends redefine how SCADA works, further enhancing its capabilities and integrating it into the bigger context of industrial technology.
As it has evolved, SCADA has become integrated with the Internet of Things (IoT), generating massive data that leads to better decisions and process optimization. SCADA systems have begun integrating with IoT devices to provide more accurate and timely data across numerous inputs, improving operational efficiency and giving more profound insights into system performance.
It is revolutionizing the industry by adopting scalable, flexible, and cost-effective solutions that are much sought after by industrial requirements. These enable remote access to system data and controls, making management and troubleshooting easier. The shift towards the cloud has improved data storage and analysis capabilities for robust analytics and historical data review.
Cybersecurity is essential because SCADA systems are rapidly intertwining with other digital platforms. With increased cyber threats today, more security systems are needed to protect sensitive industrial information and ensure the system's integrity. Future SCADA systems will likely incorporate more complex cybersecurity features, including advanced encryptions, multi-factor authentication, and continuous monitoring against potential threats. Advanced security protocols would be crucial in protecting these systems from cyberattacks while ensuring the dependability of critical infrastructure.
AI and machine learning are also increasingly making headlines in the future of SCADA systems. AI algorithms can read vast volumes of data generated by SCADA systems to identify trends, predict when a piece of equipment needs to be serviced, and optimize all related processes. AI-powered predictive analytics can help prevent equipment failures, minimize time loss, and enhance system efficiency. Thus, AI in SCADA has marked a significant milestone in managing industrial processes more proactively, intelligently, and streamlined.
The trend toward edge computing impacts SCADA systems. Edge computing is a form of data processing closer to the source rather than being sent to the centralized cloud or data center. Since this reduces latency and improves response times, it also reduces the amount of data needing to be transmitted over networks. This can enhance SCADA's real-time monitoring and control, making management decisions more efficient. ...Read more