Seawork, Europe’s leading commercial marine and workboat exhibition, is expected to inject between £10 million and £13 million into the economies of Southampton, wider Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
The 2026 edition will take place in the week beginning June 8, starting with the high-speed vessel and innovation showcase Speed@Seawork in Cowes on June 8, followed by the main three-day Seawork exhibition in Southampton from June 9 to 11.
With 500 exhibitors and an estimated 7,000 industry visitors, this is set to be the biggest and most economically impactful edition to date.
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Seawork is set to deliver a major economic boost. (Image: Seawork)
Alex Winning, leader of Southampton City Council, said: “Seawork is a significant event for Southampton and reflects the city’s long-standing role at the centre of the UK’s maritime economy.
“It brings international visitors to the city, supports our hotels, restaurants and transport providers, and helps sustain local jobs.
“It also brings industry together, supports new business connections and reinforces the city’s position as a global maritime hub, with benefits that continue well beyond the event itself.”
Organisers estimate that visiting exhibitors, buyers and delegates will generate around £2.3 million in accommodation spending across Southampton, Eastleigh, the New Forest and parts of the Isle of Wight.
Spending on dining, drinks and transport is expected to add a further £3 million for nearby businesses.
The event’s impact is particularly noticeable around Southampton’s waterfront, where restaurants and bars are typically fully booked, and in Cowes, which will welcome 200 delegates and 20 advanced vessels.
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Seawork and Speed@Seawork are also expected to bring in more than £2 million for Hampshire’s supply chain.
This includes spending on venue hire, infrastructure, marine services, security, marketing and more.
The total projected economic impact, which considers both direct spending and the re-spending of wages and supplier income, is estimated to be between £10 million and £13 million.
Past editions of Seawork have generated between £9 million and £11 million for Southampton over three days alone.