The Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS) passed off very well in the opinion of exhibitors and visitors alike. The trade exhibition for the leisure marine industry attracted a total of 12,934 visitors. This was 10% more than last year's total of 10,330. This year 11,360 visitors came primarily for METS. The remaining 1,574 were people who had also visited Europort, the trade exhibition for the maritime industry, which was held at the same time in Amsterdam. The strong international nature of METS was confirmed once again. The 854 exhibitors came from 32 countries and the visitors represented 85 nationalities. METS 2001 was organised by Amsterdam RAI under the auspices of ICOMIA (International Council of Marine Industry Associations) and was held from 13 to 15 November.

Many buying plans


This year's METS once again attracted visitors of a high caliber. "We are very satisfied with this edition," says Ronald Kooyman, product group manager of Amsterdam RAI. "Despite the turbulent economic times, we even managed to attract many more visitors than last year. However, there was a slight drop in the number of visitors from distant countries such as Australia and the United States. On the other hand, many new countries were represented among the visitors. 47% of the visitors came from abroad. The percentage of Dutch visitors was higher than last year, owing to the overlap with Europort." 85% of all visitors had a managerial position. Half of all the visitors took the final decision on the purchase of products exhibited at the show. Another 30% of the visitors were involved in or advised on such decisions. Four in ten of the visitors came to METS with specific plans for purchases.

High rating by the visitors


Not only the exhibitors but the visitors too expressed themselves in glowing terms about the show. They gave METS an average rating of 7.6 out of 10. 97% indicated that they were satisfied or very satisfied with the range of exhibits. The visitors spent an average of over 5 hours at the show. The prospects for the 2002 METS are favourable since almost 90% indicated they planned to return next year.

Henri-Lloyd wins Dame Award 2001


The METS Design Award (DAME) was presented for the 11th time. This prize for the best designed and most innovative product was awarded to Henri Lloyd of England for its TP3 reflex jacket and Hi-fit trousers. It was the first time that the jury had chosen an item of clothing as the winning product. It singled out Henri Lloyd for its unceasing efforts to achieve perfection, as exemplified by its use of a new technology known as Dry Yarn Technology for this sailing suit. The design incorporates ceramic particles in a lightweight fabric that makes the suit extremely water repellent and breathable. In the words of the jury report, "The suit is also very comfortable to wear, particularly due to its light weight, even when fully exposed to the weather."

METS 2002


The next edition of METS will be held in Amsterdam RAI from Tuesday 19 November to Thursday 21 November 2002. Two new pavilions are planned for this edition, namely the Marine Pavilion and the Composite Pavilion. The latter pavilion will be supported by a programme of technical seminars intended above all for boat builders, designers and repair yards. Professional Boatbuilder magazine will arrange the program.

Winner DAME Award 2001 (Design Award METS)


Firm: Henri-Lloyd Ltd., UK
Product: TP3 Reflex Jacket and Hi-fit Trousers

Honorable Mentions


Firm: Tacktick Ltd, UK
Category: Marine Electronics
Product: Micro Compass

Firm: C- MAP S.r.l., Italy
Category: Marine Electronics
Product: C- Forecast

Firm: Golden Arrow Marine Ltd, UK
Category: Marina, Boatyard and Boat construction Equipment
Product: Flexiteek Decking

Firm: Musto Limited, UK
Category: Clothing
Product: Carbon HPX Gore- Tex Smock

Firm: McMurdo Ltd, UK
Category: Life Saving Equipment & Safety
Product: FastFind Plus 406MHz Personal Location Beacon

Firm: NKE, France
Category: Life Saving Equipment & Safety

Product: Radio Control Remote control for Autopilot

Firm: Amartech, Netherlands
Category: Propulsion, Machinery & Systems

Product: AWM- CPP Propellor Driveline- Controllable Pitch Propellor

Firm: Kudos Software Ltd, UK

Category: Software related to Marine Industries

Product: Kudos Marine Dealer System

Special Mentions


Firm: ICS Electronics Ltd, UK

Category: Marine Electronics

Product: NAV6 PLUS

Firm: Raymarine Ltd, UK
Category: Marine Electronics
Product: RAY230E VHF

Firm: Wallas- Marin Oy, Finland
Category: Furnishing & Fittings
Product: Diesel Oven Wallas 96D

Firm: Wave International Ltd, UK
Category: Deck Equipment, Sails & Rigging
Product: Light Weight Carbon Fibre Portable Davit

Firm: Plastimo, France
Category: Deck Equipment, Sails & Rigging
Product: Bilge Pump

Firm: Baseline Marine Products Ltd, UK
Category: Deck Equipment, Sails & Rigging
Product: Chain Cleat

Firm: Goiot Innovation, France
Category: Deck Equipment, Sails & Rigging
Product: Folding Mooring Cleat

Firm: Hella Marine, Austria
Category: Deck Equipment, Sails & Rigging
Product: Led Navigation Lights

Firm: Spinlock Ltd, UK
Category: Deck Equipment, Sails & Rigging
Product: Bullseye

Firm: Harken Inc, USA
Category: Deck Equipment, Sails & Rigging
Product: Soft Furler Attachment

Firm: Musto Limited, UK

Category: Clothing
Product: Gripdeck Outsole Boating Shoes

Firm: Carling Technologies Limited, USA
Category: Propulsion, Machinery & Systems
Product: ECS (Electronic Control Systems)

Firm: Sillette- Sonic Ltd, UK
Category: Propulsion, Machinery & Systems

Product: Electric Strutdrive

Firm: BLI/Mace, USA
Category: Propulsion, Machinery & Systems
Product: Priority Start Battery Saver

Firm: Nobeltec, USA
Category: Software related to Marine Industries

Product: Visual Navigation Suite

For more information, see www.show-info.nl/mets2001/