ITECHMER 2023, THE FISHING AND MARITIME INNOVATION EXHIBITION IN LORIENT
With one month to go before its opening, ITECHMER, France’s unique international exhibition for professionals in the fishing industry, unveils its programme. The event is getting ready to welcome visitors from a sector that is facing decisive challenges for its future. On 11-12-13 October 2023, all the economic and institutional stakeholders in the fishing industry will be meeting in Lorient. More than 200 exhibitors and 5,000 visitors are expected at the Lorient Bretagne Sud Exhibition Centre. This 15th edition of the event will focus on maritime innovation and will offer a showcase of an industry in complete transition.
From left to right : Maurice Benoish ; Eric Guygniec ; Fabrice Loher ; Lydie Le Pabic ; Paul-Henri Celton, Cédric Guillotin et Diane-Laure Ducastel @ITECHMER
ITECHMER, THE HALLMARK OF A REGION COMMITTED TO THE FISHING INDUSTRY
Organised for almost 30 years by Lorient Bretagne Sud Expo Congrès, ITECHMER is the key biennial event for the fishing industry in France. A key economic sector in the Lorient region, fishing accounts for 25% of maritime employment, with 3,750 jobs. ITECHMER is a real driver of the region’s attractiveness, fully playing its role as a business fair and a facilitator for an entire sector.
Olivier Le Nézet, President of the French National Committee for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs (CNPMEM), said: «ITECHMER gives us a comprehensive overview of the industry, enabling us to talk to professionals and to identify opportunities through the innovations and equipment presented. The main challenge is to work towards independence from fossil fuels. Technology must also enable fisheries to be selective and sustainable, to ensure our food sovereignty. Eventually, we’ll need to renew the fleet with solutions that are viable for professionals.»
Eric Guygniec, Chairman of APAK, comments: «ITECHMER is an essential event that has always been in step with industry developments. We urgently need to save energy and decarbonise our ships. I hope to find some solutions. I’ll also be taking part in a round table on selective gears.»
Paul-Henri Celton, Director of Piriou Naval Services: «PIRIOU has never missed an edition. The exhibition gives us an opportunity to talk to fishermen about improving the way we handle catches on board, reducing fuel consumption, etc. Our design office is also involved in the Pilothy hydrogen conversion project, which will be presented at the exhibition.»
Shipyards, ports, engine manufacturers, capture, safety, electronics, process and packaging equipment suppliers, transport, and service companies … 205 exhibitors and brands will be present at this 15th edition of the show. Of these, 10% are first-time exhibitors and 11% are companies based outside France.
THE SULTANATE OF OMAN GUEST OF HONOUR AT ITECHMER 2023
An international event, ITECHMER will welcome a large Omani delegation, including the ministers of fisheries and industry. The day before the exhibition, a meeting to present the progress of the Duqm fishing port project will be held at Lorient town hall. The Franco-Omani consortium MARSA, including SAS Ker’Oman, supported by players from Brittany and Lorient, won this call for projects worth an estimated €130 million, including an exclusive 28-year operating concession.
Fabrice Loher, President of Lorient-Agglomération and Mayor of Lorient, said: «ITECHMER is an opportunity to showcase Lorient’s extensive maritime expertise around the world. I am particularly delighted to welcome the representatives of the Sultanate of Oman. The Duqm port project is testimony to Lorient’s recognised expertise in fishing and seafood processing, which Lorient Agglomération is supporting.»
ITECHMER 2023 RECEIVES THE «JEUDIS DE L’INNOVATION MARITIME» LABEL
The focus of ITECHMER 2023 will be on transformation and innovation, both in terms of the technological and scientific solutions presented and the programme of meetings and conferences, all of which will revolve around the theme of «Innovating to transform the maritime industry». 8 conferences featuring 50 expert speakers will be staged over the three days of the event, focusing on three key issues:
- Energy transition and decarbonization, on Wednesday 11 October
- Technologies for sustainable fishing, on Thursday 12 October
- Maritime planning and access to resources, on Friday 13 October.
ITECHMER 2023 has been designated «Jeudis de l’Innovation Maritime» (Maritime Innovation Thursdays) by Hervé Berville, Secretary of State for the Sea to the Prime Minister. Eric Banel, DGAMPA, will open the event with a speech on the challenges of decarbonising the sector, before inaugurating the 15th edition of ITECHMER.
The inauguration will also be attended by Pierre Karleskind, President of the European Parliament’s PECH Committee. The ceremony will close with the presentation of the ITECHMER Innovation Awards.
Lydie Le Pabic, President of SEGEPEX (Lorient Bretagne Sud Expo Congrès) comments: «This label is recognition of our commitment and the relevance of the content of ITECHMER, which is in line with the challenges facing the sector. I would particularly like to thank our partners and the involvement of the committee of industry experts, who have made a major contribution to the quality and the richness of this programme.»
Press contact: Agence Sea to sea
Stéphanie Roos-Faujour – 06 19 68 32 06
+33(0)2 29 40 10 36 – contact@seatosea.fr
Press release – PDF