Navalia is working on its most international edition with a strong Asian exhibitors increase and focusing on technological innovation
The international presence now exceeds one hundred stands, with three pavilions at the fairgrounds filled
Following the success of Navalia Meeting, the organization is turning its attention to the tenth edition of the trade fair, which will take place in Vigo in May 2026, and which is already set to be the most international in its history. According to its president, José García Costas, during the technical conference "The Triple Helix of the Naval Future: Technology, Energy, and Data," the number of foreign exhibitors continues to grow, now exceeding one hundred international stands, with a notable presence from Asia and, especially, China, receiving a boost of requests to join the Galician event in recent weeks.
This increase coincides with the current tariff war between China and the United States, a situation that, in the president words, "demonstrates Navalia is noticed as a neutral, professional, and strategically relevant territory for global business."
In addition to the Asian companies, there are already confirmed delegations from Italy, Norway, Colombia, Germany, Argentina, and Peru, with more countries set to join in the coming months.
Furthermore, growth is not limited to the international level: more and more companies are coming to Navalia not only to exhibit their products, but also to showcase real innovation, showing prototypes, digital developments, or advanced engineering models. "The trade fair is moving beyond being merely a showcase to become an innovation laboratory, where the blue economy, digitalization, and clean energy are setting the course for the industry," the president emphasized.
A technical conference focused on the future of the sector
The technical conference held today prior to the Navalia Executive Committee meeting brought together leading industry professionals to discuss technological, energy, and digital challenges of shipbuilding future.
Moderated by Marián Gálvez, Business Development Manager for Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Malta at DNV, the session featured speakers from Teresa Campoy (ABANCE), Almudena Casanova (CT Engineering Group), and Adrián Sarasquete (VICUS DT). All of them agreed technological transformation and the application of artificial intelligence will be decisive in the evolution of the sector over next decade.
The president also highlighted the recent success of Navalia Meeting Cádiz 2025, held last September, which served as a meeting point for clusters and companies to define a common vision for the shipbuilding industry future. "When the sector sits down, thinks, and shares, the vision broadens, and that is what makes Navalia more than just a trade fair," he noted.
Executive Committee
The executive committee meeting was attended by Alberto Ruiz, Director General of Industrial Programs at the Ministry of Industry and Tourism, appointed this week to replace Jordi Llinares.
During his speech, the new director reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening, modernizing, and making the Spanish shipbuilding industry more competitive, emphasizing it "represents much more than shipbuilding," and highlighting its role as a technological engine, a generator of quality employment, and an example of export capacity.
"Every ship designed and built in our shipyards is supported by the talent of thousands of professionals, auxiliary companies, technology centres, and universities working to position Spain among the world leaders in the maritime industry," he stated.
The CEO explained the sector faces major challenges, such as digitalization, sustainability, and global competition, but also historic opportunities arising from the transition to a greener and more digital economy. "The energy and technological transformation open up new lines of development in marine energy, zero-emission ships, automation, and new materials, and that is where we must be: at the forefront of innovation," he stated.
During his speech, Alberto Ruiz also highlighted the Ministry of Industry role as a strategic ally for the sector, through instruments such as the Naval PERTE (National Program for the Promotion of Innovation), the Industrial Modernization Plan, and grants for R&D&I projects, which aim to support companies in their technological and sustainable transformation.
Finally, he acknowledged the importance of Navalia as a sector’s boost promotional tool and international impact: "Navalia is not just a trade fair: it is a meeting point for industry, innovation, and cooperation, a showcase of Spain's potential to the world."