Seawork kicks off tomorrow, running 9 to 11 June 2026, bringing together an international exhibition and conference programme focused on the commercial marine and workboat sectors.
Held annually at Mayflower Park in Southampton on the UK’s south coast, Seawork is Europe’s largest commercial marine and workboat exhibition combining indoor and quayside displays, with vessels and equipment afloat on pontoons, alongside a dedicated conference programme. This year’s programme covers topics including sustainability, skills, technology and innovation. Alongside the main conference programme, several sessions will highlight maritime activity and expertise across the Solent region.
New for this year isa pavilion dedicated to uncrewed and autonomous maritime systems, as well as the new Superyacht Pavilion being held in partnership with British Superyacht. The new Polish Pavilion at Seawork 2026 will showcase Poland’s growing strength in shipbuilding, marine technology and specialist maritime services, bringing together leading shipyards and manufacturers.
The University of Southampton will present a Showcase of Maritime Innovation in the Solent, scheduled to coincide with the forthcoming launch of its Centre for Green Maritime Innovation. The industry-led initiative will provide facilities and expertise for testing and assessing zero-carbon and energy-efficiency technologies. The session will also look at the university’s work in autonomous systems and marine robotics, as well as the maritime training and career pathways it offers.
Nigel Taylor, CEO of Southampton-based PerformOS, will return for a second year to lead the AI at Sea conference session. Over the past two years, the company has worked with UK businesses on the practical adoption of AI in operational settings.
“AI is moving incredibly quickly, but for many businesses the challenge is still knowing where to start, what is genuinely useful, and what is simply noise,” says Taylor. “Our session is designed to be practical, plain-speaking and directly relevant to commercial marine businesses of all sizes, visitors can expect a clear view of what AI is already delivering, what is realistically coming next, and how businesses can take sensible first steps.”
Poole-based Professional Rescue will deliver a technical session followed by a live on-water demonstration of ROVs, sonar and UAV systems in aquatic search and rescue scenarios. The presentation will also cover the training competencies required to deploy the technology.
Seawork 2026 will also feature Maritime Solent’s Training & Careers Day, which brings together young people, employers and industry professionals to explore career opportunities in the commercial marine sector.
Melissa Woolcock, marketing director at event organiser Mercator Media, says: “Seawork brings together the people, ideas and expertise that are helping to drive the commercial marine sector forward. It’s an important event for Southampton, not only because of the visitors it attracts, but because it reinforces the city’s role as a place where maritime business and knowledge come together.”
In addition to the exhibition and conference programme, the event includes networking opportunities, live demonstrations and access to specialists working across the commercial marine industry.
The full schedule for Seawork 2026 is available online.
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