The International WorkBoat Show is an annual exhibition and conference focused on commercial vessels. In 2024, the event hosted over 800 exhibitors and attracted more than 12.000 visitors.

The shipbuilding industry in the US covers various sectors, including the construction and maintenance of commercial seagoing vessels, naval ships, luxury superyachts, and inland vessels. Ships for the offshore industry, including oil & gas and the emerging offshore wind sector, also fall under the category of commercial vessels.
The current state of the U.S. shipbuilding industry faces significant challenges, such as high costs, inefficiency, and lagging behind international competitors. Building ships in the U.S. is considerably more expensive – for example, constructing vessels for the offshore industry (CTVs, WTIVs, and SOVs) in the U.S. can be twice as costly as in Europe and Asia.

Because the U.S. shipbuilding industry lacks competitiveness, opportunities are abundant for companies from major shipbuilding nations – especially European companies, which deliver higher-quality products compared to their Asian counterparts. Additionally, Europe has a strong, well-connected network of suppliers and design firms, which is lacking in the U.S.

Despite these challenges, the U.S. shipbuilding industry remains active due to the Jones Act, which mandates that ships transporting goods between U.S. ports must be built in the United States. The total revenue of the U.S. shipbuilding and repair industry was estimated at $27,9 billion in 2019, up from $26.9 billion in 2018.
The U.S. commercial fleet is aging, creating a strong demand for new ship replacements. Additionally, U.S. shipyards are increasingly shifting their focus to emerging markets such as offshore wind, which requirs new types of vessels.

Netherlands Pavilion

After last year’s success, NMT-IRO is returning in 2025 with a larger stand along the main aisle. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to expand your network and do business at this renowned American maritime exhibition.

Together with the Dutch Consulate, NMT-IRO will organize a networking reception on the exhibition floor, along with a matchmaking event with other country pavilions.

Participation in the Pavilion includes, among others:

• wall panel (1m x 2,5m);
• graphic included (TV screen available at an additional cost);
• lockable desk + chair;
• 2 exhibitor passes;
• catering + lunch;
• matchmaking activities;
• networking reception on the exhibition floor;
• joint promotion of the Dutch maritime manufacturing indsutry; and
• support from NMT-IRO.

Participation costs

NMT-IRO members: €5.950
Non-members: €6.450
Co-exhibitor listing: €295

At least 10 participants are required in order to proceed with this activity.

All prices are excluding VAT and travel related expenses.

Registration and more information

Register via the NMT-IRO website here. For more information, contact Joëlla Lucas from NMT-IRO via the contact details below.