07:48 GMT, November 27, 2008 Leading exhibition of its kind worldwide, economic, political and strategic event, Euronaval has just closed its doors on a renewed success in terms of exhibitors and visitors participation but mostly in terms of represented countries.

This major international rendezvous for naval defence and maritime safety displayed many weapon systems, materials, equipments and services. The 2008 exhibition was particularly notable for the significant increase in the number of exhibitors, with a new record in participation of 379 exhibitors (+10%) from 36 countries (+33%). Visitor numbers is also increasing:
- over 34,000 visitors had attended, i.e. 10% more than in 2006,
- and 75 official delegations from 62 countries were welcomed.

Euronaval has established itself as a true exhibition with the display of the NH90 helicopter and many search and rescue equipments (lifeboats, Jet Ski...) on the 700 m² static zone.

Among the highlights of the 2008 Euronaval exhibition, the opening ceremony presided by the French Minister of Defence was in line with the French Presidency of the European Union context. Hervé Morin reminded the need to have a competitive European defence industry, and announced several projects in the European scale:
- regarding the maritime supervision (UAVs, national systems networking, maritime data harmonisation)
- regarding underwater robotic.

Remind that Euronaval has also become the international economic meeting-place for industrialists of the sector welcoming both the major defence industrial groups and small- and medium-sized firms. This year, SMEs have been rewarded by the Euronaval Trophies and the organisation of about 1200 B to B meetings (115 exhibitors registered from 34 countries).

For the first time, the 3 Euronaval Trophies rewarded innovative French SMEs who have been distinguished in one of these categories: innovation, international and growth.
- Euronaval Innovation Prize: SEA ON LINE, for its optical and infrared surveillance automatic system.
- Euronaval International Development Prize: IXSEA, founded in 2000, who exports more than 80% of its turnover.
- Euronaval Growth Prize: EFINOR, specialised in engineering, big sheet metal work equipment confection, precision mechanic and on-site assembly.

At last, Euronaval welcomed 90 students and teachers from high level colleges on October 31st. After the exhibition visit, students could have met naval industry managers in order to share their personal experiences and learn how to work together soon.

Euronaval 2008 is more than ever THE place to discover the latest innovations and technologies used by armed forces and the major players of State actions at Sea, THE business meeting-place of the naval and maritime sector between industry and decision-makers, and between companies, and THE crossroads for reflection on naval and maritime world.

For more information: www.euronaval.fr