Maritime extravaganza will be 'chance to showcase what Poole has to offer'

Internationally important European Maritime Week, from May 15 to 21, centres around a two-day maritime conference bringing together experts from shipbuilding, shipping, ports, fisheries, offshore energy, environment, tourism and heritage.

They will seek to address the major challenges they face and issues including economic growth, climate change, sustainable energy and environmental pressure on coasts and seas.

Cabinet portfolio holder Cllr Xena Dion, who helped secure the bid, said: “It is an opportunity for us to showcase what we have here in Poole.

“We have businesses that are leaders in marine technology, high quality training and educational facilities, world class boat building, an internationally acclaimed lifeboat training college and, to cap it all, an environment of outstanding natural beauty."

The committee includes senior representatives of Borough of Poole, the RNLI, Maritime and Coastal Agency, British Marine Federation, Poole Harbour Commissioners, Poole Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Bournemouth University and Bournemouth and Poole College.

They discussed what would provide a lasting legacy for residents and agreed that economic vibrancy, attracting inward investment and providing high quality training and jobs associated with marine industries would be a measurement of success.

Members agreed the events, attractions and activities should last the whole week and draw visitors from far and wide, and to seek agreement from the European Commission that the theme should be maritime security.

PHC chief executive Jim Stewart, elected committee chairman, said: “With the number of businesses we have here in Poole, as well as nationwide, who are on the cutting edge of innovation in maritime surveillance and security systems, and with the global leadership the Royal Navy provides in protecting coasts and seas worldwide, it would be totally relevant to have this conference theme in Poole.”