A GLOBAL maritime exhibition which brings in millions of pounds of investment into Southampton was described as 'hugely' important to the city by a Government minister.

Nusrat Ghani, the Minister for Industry and Network Security, opened Seawork 2023 in Mayflower Park this morning with organiser Andrew Webster.

More than 6,500 people are expected to descend on the waterfront for the event, which runs until Friday and gives exhibitors from the maritime industry the opportunity to strike business deals.

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Ms Ghani said: "Seawork is a phenomenal, global event, nestled here in the UK. 

"Everyone is here who is a player in maritime, including technologies that are associated with maritime. 

"The exciting thing for me at Seaworks is that you get to come and see what the next generation of maritime will look like."

Around 400 exhibitors are at this year's show and more than 70 vessels, floating plant and equipment are on the quayside and pontoons.

This year's event is focusing on the environment and prioritising sustainability for a global audience.

Ms Ghani added: "This event matters hugely to Southampton, but globally its about creating new jobs in a way that the firms can become even more efficient, can become cleaner, can become greener."

Mr Webster is the chief executive of Fareham-based Mercator Media, which runs Seawork.

He said that Seawork brings an estimated £8m into the Southampton economy.

Mr Webster said: "The reason it's important for Southampton is that 25 per cent of the exhibitors here have a Solent postcode or a business based in the Solent. 

"We are central to so much of the UK and Europe's maritime industry.

"Southampton has the most fantastic coactivity with sea ports, airports, hotels, and the water - it makes it an ideal choice which is why we run Seawork here every time."

Tomorrow, Seawork is hosting a Women In Marine Industry Reception at 3.30pm. 

Professor Catriona Savage, the first female president of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA), will speak at the event.

From 5.30pm to 7.30pm, there will be a cardboard boat regatta in which participants will attempt to stay afloat in a craft made from cardboard. 

There will be live music, a bar and food.

Philip Hilbert, the group sales director from boat building company Marine Specialised Technology, said he has personally been coming to Seaworks since the event began in 2002.

He said: "Seawork for us is obviously our home market, but it is also a networking event. 

"Seawork is an important opportunity for us to get down to the south coast and network with supply chains."