The Pacific International Maritime Exposition 2015 has attracted an unprecedented number of international naval delegations.

No fewer than 58 foreign naval missions, from 47 countries, have signalled their intention to attend the event – the largest number of overseas naval delegations ever to visit a Pacific Exposition with groups coming from throughout the Asia Indo-Pacific region, Europe and the Americas.

Countries include the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Sweden, Spain, Saudi Arabia, India, China, Korea and Japan. Naval delegations from Africa and South America will also be in attendance.

Their presence will provide an opportunity for exhibitors to network with key military decision makers from around the world.

Pacific 2015 CEO Ian Honnery said the delegations will be at Chief of Navy or counterpart level.

“We are delighted to play host to such a senior array of naval leaders from all corners of the globe,” Honnery said.

“Their presence at the exposition will greatly enhance the opportunities for exhibiting companies to expand their client base and seek out new markets.”

“Further it will allow them to showcase their technologies, products and services before an informed and focussed audience of potential buyers.”

Honnery predicts October’s event will be the most successful industry forum of its kind ever held in Australia and the Asia Indo-Pacific region.

It will bring together major national and international companies involved in commercial maritime and naval defence technology and their potential clients.

More than 400 companies are expected to display their wares at the biennial event.

An estimated 10,000 plus trade visitors, among them senior government, military and industry decision makers, will also attend.

Twenty-five major conferences and symposia will be held in conjunction with the exposition and military, industry and scientific delegations from more than two dozen countries have also signalled their intention to participate.

The numbers bode well for the Sydney-based event.

National and international interest has been heightened by the largest peacetime navy procurement program in Australian history, with companies from home and abroad keen to garner a share of the action.

All up Australia has allocated $75 billion for new submarines, frigates and patrol boats and their ongoing maintenance over the next 20 years.

It has made Australia’s naval market one of the largest and most vibrant in the world.

Demand for new submarines, surface ships, equipment and weapons includes $20 billion for new frigates and patrol craft for the Royal Australian Navy.

In addition, Australia recently called for tenders to build and sustain up to 21 patrol boats under the $2 billion Pacific Maritime Security Program.

But the largest part of the procurement program is the acquisition of up to 12 new submarines.

The Minister for Defence, Kevin Andrews, described it as one of the biggest non-nuclear submarine programs in the world at present and that it “represents an investment in the order of $50 billion in Australia’s security.”

Against this background, demand for exhibition space at the event has been unprecedented.

“Pacific continues to grow in terms of exhibitors, visitors, prestige and importance,” Honnery said.

“It offers a unique networking and learning opportunity for exhibitors and visitors and a direct conduit to many of the key decision makers in naval defence and industry.”

He said Pacific has a well-earned reputation as the most comprehensive and relevant industry and defence forum in the Asia Indo-Pacific region.

Defence capability and acquisition senior management will have a strong presence at Pacific 2015 which is a real plus for organisations seeking prime contract or supply chain opportunities.

Exhibitors from more than 20 countries are expected to fly their flag at this year’s event.

Among them are major ship builders, powerplant manufacturers, radar and communications equipment purveyors, weapons technology companies and a wide range of engineering service providers.

Commercial maritime will also be well represented at the event.

The latest in electronics and navigation, port services, facilities and stevedoring, ferries, underwater technology and autonomous systems will also be on display.

A highly informative conference agenda will represent a significant learning opportunity, covering a wide range of topics.

“Our conference schedule will provide a series of excellent learning opportunities for all who attend,” Honnery said.

“The topics under discussion will be timely and highly informative and the speakers and presenters will be first rate.”

“The conferences and symposia will enhance the quality, range and number of trade visitors to the event.”

The principal conferences include the Royal Australian Navy Sea Power Conference and the International Maritime Conference.

Other conferences and seminars will address naval aviation, unmanned air, surface and underwater systems, guided weapons and commercial offshore helicopter operations.

In additional Pacific 2015 will also host a number of smaller, specialist business and technical conferences and workshops.

These will address the region’s maritime industry and regional maritime security as well as providing opportunities for customer and supply chain opportunities by prime contractors and SMEs pursuing major naval and commercial contracts.

The Pacific International Maritime Exposition will be held at the Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island.

The outlook from the exposition site is a fascinating seaside cityscape with cruise ships leisurely ambling by while work vessels and tug boats busily bustle about, making it an ideal site for an event such as Pacific.

Honnery said the 2015 event will provide delegates, exhibitors, participants and visitors with a unique opportunity to learn and expand their businesses.

“It will be a chance to meet with peers, potential suppliers and customers and to forge commercial liaisons on all levels,” he said.

“It is for those serious about the business of doing business.”

The Pacific International Maritime Exposition 2015 will be held over three days from October 6-8.