“They say that a rising tide lifts all ships. There is no doubt that this applies to the work boat industry in south-east Asia,” announced ASIAN WORK BOAT exhibition organiser Kishore Navani.

“The sustained recent strength in the price of oil has continued to support the long running boom in the ASEAN offshore service vessel industry.

“At the same time, the ongoing strength of the Chinese economy is encouraging investment in tug and barge combos and port development to help move more bulk minerals and timber products to China,” added Mr Navani.

“Strangely, even the piracy “boom” in the Malacca Straits is having a positive effect on the local work boat market,” Mr Navani explained. “That particular increase in activity has inspired the commissioning of numerous new and improved patrol boats.

“So, for a number of disparate reasons, the whole small ship market in the ASEAN region is very strong in the final three months before ASIAN WORK BOAT.

“This is clearly reflected in the very strong booth sales and visitor pre-registrations to date. They are certainly proving the demand for a pure work boat exhibition in south-east Asia,” said Mr Navani.

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