Paris. The 5-day 25th Euronaval exhibition closed its doors this Friday 21st October in Paris-Le Bourget with very positive results for all those involved in the naval sector; industrialists, delegations, international organisation, visitors and journalists. Created in 1968 , this biennial event continues to confirm its position as world leader of naval defence exhibitions, with again this year a particularly promising offer.
Observed Euronaval director Hugues d’Argentré, “Despite the particularly demanding security requirements implemented this year, participation levels are comparable to those of the last edition, and according to the exhibitors themselves, there is progression in terms of the quality of professional visitors. On the whole the results are highly positive for this 25th edition, with the presence of close to 130 official delegations from 65 countries and more than 20 chiefs of staff from foreign Navies. One of its kind in the naval defence sector, this exhibition displaying vessels, submarines and naval equipment has established its position as leader with decision makers and contractors in this dynamic sector. In 2016, all the « Majors » were present!â€
Delegations
There were 129 delegations, including 89 foreign military delegations representing 64 coutnries on the 5 continents. Among the French and European delegations, there were ministerial and parliametary delegations, as well as representatives from the Court of Auditors, the MEDEF, CNI, the Military School, IHEDN (Institute of Advanced Studies in National Defence)…
Brahmos Aerospace from India attracted many visitors in its stand.
Announcement by the Minister of Defence
On Tuesday 18th October, at the Ministry of Defence stand, the Minister of Defence Jean-Yves Le Drian chose Euronaval to reveal the model of the future intermediate-size frigates (FTI) made in France. The launch of the FTI programme was decided upon in mid-2015 on the occasion of the legislation update for military programming. The objective is ambitious, as delivery of the first frigate is set for 2023. With a tonnage of 4,200 tonnes, the FTI will be implemented by a crew of 125 staff. For 2030, these 5 new first-line frigates will complement the French Navy’s order of battle of the 8 multimission frigates (FREMM) and the 2 Horizon-type air defence frigates.
The Euronaval 2016 Trophies
The three winners of the Euronaval 2016 Trophies were awarded their prizes by Jean-Yves Le Drian during the official exhibition opening ceremony on Tuesday 18th October 2016.
The jury of journalists and professionals chose three winners who represent the industrial momentum present in the world naval sector:
The EURONAVAL Trophy for “Drones – robotics – autonomous systems†is awarded to the company ECA for the development of STERNA®.
The EURONAVAL Trophy for “Conceptships – vessel of the future†is awarded to the company VOITH TURBO, for the VOITH LINEAR JET
The GICAN Trophy for “Digital – virtual and augmented reality simulation†is awarded to the company SBS Interactive for the VIS-On innovative solution software for enriched reality virtualisation.
International colloquium
On October 18th, a high-level colloquium brought together industrialists, politicians and sailors to discuss a topical issue: “Together for safe and secure oceansâ€. Opened by the President of Euronaval, Patrick Boissier, this colloquium was concluded by Admiral Christophe Prazuck, Chief of Staff of the French Navy.
A three-day French-Australian seminar organised by the GICAN
Against the backdrop of the future order of Australian submarines, this 3-day seminar, held in the presence of Martin HAMILTON-SMITH, Minister of Defence for South Australia, was the opportunity to encourage exchange and build relations between industrial, state and academic players from France and Australia. Concurrent to the seminar, close to 70 meetings between French and Australian industrialists were organised.
EURONAVAL organiser
Since its creation in 1968, this international biennial event has been organised by the GICAN (French Marine Industry Group), representing and promoting the French naval industry. The GICAN federates more than 165 businesses and represents 40,000 direct jobs in France for a sales figure of 8,5 billion Euros.
In figures:
• 403 exhibitors
• 56% foreign exhibitors
• 34 nationalities including France, with one new nation: Japan
• 10 national pavilions including one new: Denmark
• 129 delegations
• 20 Navy chiefs of staff
• 23,250 professional visits
• 579 business meetings
• 81 media martners
• 322 journalists
• 15,000 sqm exhibition space
