New product’s European debut
28 April 2008
AN important new Cosalt lifesaving product will be shown for the first time in Europe at a major exhibition in Greece.
The Cosalt Personnel Recovery Device (CPRD) will make its bow at Posidonia 2008, one of the world's premier shipping trade events, which will be held in Athens.
Shipowners and shipbuilders from around the globe will flock to the Hellenikon Exhibition Centre for the big two-yearly get-together which will run from Tuesday, June 3, to Friday, June 6.
Cosalt will be on stand 433/F and will be promoting its North European and Mediterranean service network together with products such as lifejackets, life rafts, lifeboat servicing, fire servicing, ropes and other lifesaving equipment..
Said Kevin Robertson, the company's International Sales Director: "Greece is the largest commercial shipowning nation in the world - approximately 35% of all tonnage that sails under the SOLAS (Safety Of Life at Sea) convention is Greek or Greek-owned.
"The Greek managers and owners from all over the world attend this exhibition, as do shipyards which are selling their construction services.
It is a major showcase of all manufacturers and second only to SMM (Hamburg September 23-26) in order of importance. Our targets are clearly defined within that statement."
And the numbers are massive. Greek owners spent around £50 billion on new and second hand vessels in 2007. In fleet terms this investment corresponds to a newbuilding orderbook of 556 ships.
While Greece is the biggest shipowning nation, the leaders in shipbuilding come from the Far East, with South Korea and China rated at numbers one and two.
These giants, together with other Far East contenders, will be increasing their presence at Posidonia 2008.
The Middle East is fast developing into a major marine market and the Gulf countries, especially the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, will have a strong presence.
All these markets fall neatly into the Cosalt product and services portfolio.
Though the company will be making its debut at the event, it was represented at Posidonia 2006 on the stand of the distributor of its Immersion Suits - through which 8,000 were sold.
This year Cosalt will have a strong team present. The permanent representatives will be Robertson, Ralf-Thomas Rap (from Cosalt Germany) who, amongst other responsibilities, looks after the new building businesses in China and Vietnam, and the senior managers of the rope team, Nick Dennison and Paula Elliott.
"I have a flexible team and we will be 'hot-bedding' as requirements fit," said Robertson.
Posidonia 2008 is expecting 16,000 trade visitors with exhibitor commitments already surpassing the 1,600 mark of the 2006 event.
Issued on behalf of Cosalt Safety and Protection by Nigel Lowther Associates Ltd. Media inquiries should be referred to Sarah Avery on 01472 504288 or Nigel Lowther (0792 0102303).