South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show draws over 5,000 visitors

The 6th South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show has concluded its three-day event, which took place from 9 to 11 May 2025 at MDL’s Ocean Village Marina in Southampton on the UK south coast.

The event, supported by Raymarine, recorded over 5,000 visitors and featured more than 130 boats on display, both shoreside and afloat.

The event included several standout premieres, such as the World debut of the Hardy 45 European. This model, designed and built entirely in-house by Cockwells, had been unveiled two days earlier by Princess Anne at the boatbuilder’s Falmouth headquarters. Other notable brands featured included Axopar, Hanse and Saxdor.

Exhibitors reported strong interest and impressive sales activity throughout the event. Approved Boats confirmed two sales on the opening day. Fairline, Absolute and Windy also recorded sales and received a steady stream of enquiries.

The Innovation Hub, also sponsored by ePropulsion, hosted presentations focused on sustainable marine technologies. Steve Bruce, managing director at ePropulsion, says: “The Innovation Hub was buzzing. We had fantastic conversations about our electric propulsion range and met some truly forward-thinking partners and customers. It’s a brilliant environment to showcase real innovation.”

Raymarine’s Paul Childs presented the Dame Award-winning Alpha Display Series and Smart Wind transducer. Other technologies highlighted at the show included an anchor chain marking system by Anchorite, a shock mitigation system for RIBs from Salmon Marine developed in collaboration with the RNLI.

Exhibitors represented a range of international brands, with attendees travelling from countries including Turkey, Greece, Germany and the US.

Under the Maritime UK Solent banner, a group of tech startups presented innovations funded through regional support programmes. Stuart Baker, managing director of Maritime UK Solent, says: “The show provides vital exposure for local tech startups and a strong platform to accelerate green growth in our region. We were delighted to see such enthusiastic engagement with our supported companies.”

Fischer Panda UK received the MDL Green Innovator Award 2025, which is voted for by the public and recognises sustainable product development. The company was noted for its work in electric propulsion and local support services.

Raymarine’s UK sales manager Richard Marsden says: “Raymarine is proud to support a show that celebrates both tradition and progress. The feedback on our Alpha Series displays and Smart Wind sensor was incredible – it’s clear the appetite for smart, sustainable tech is only growing.”

CubeX Industries showcased its work in Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) for marine and architectural infrastructure. Visitors were particularly drawn to CubeX’s award-winning Sea-Hive tiles, designed to enhance marine biodiversity while standing up to harsh coastal conditions.

Jimmy Connoley, commercial director at CubeX Industries, says: “Our USP lies in the use of moulds that create more nooks and crannies to encourage greater biodiversity. We also use biomaterials, such as cockles scraped from the bottom of boats, in our concrete mix, producing 55 per cent less carbon and over 40 per cent less water.”

Tim Mayer, sales and marketing director at MDL and show organiser, says: “This year’s show once again exceeded expectations. With over 130 boats and 85 exhibitors, the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show has firmly established itself as the UK’s premier regional exhibition for serious boat buyers – and a major driver of dealer sales.”

“The success of this year’s show demonstrates the need for this type of exhibition at the start of the season,” Mayer adds. “However, the real measure of success lies in the sales generated. After speaking with nearly all exhibitors over the three days, it’s evident that some boat brands are experiencing challenging conditions. Nevertheless, I was pleased to hear that confirmed sales had been made and that dealers had engaged in valuable conversations.”

New for 2025, a dedicated media centre, sponsored by ePropulsion UK, was introduced on-site, offering hospitality and a dedicated networking area to journalists.

The show opened officially on Friday with a visit from the Lord Mayor and Sheriff of Southampton, councillor David Shields. A media reception followed, giving press attendees early access to vessel debuts and marine technology developments.

The South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show will return from 8 to 10 May 2026. Raymarine has extended its sponsorship agreement with the event through to 2028.