The pontoons are an integral part of Seawork and make it unique as the world’s only commercial marine trade exhibition with an on-water feature. In 2019 Close Brothers Aviation and Marine will return again as pontoon sponsors.

Close Brothers Aviation and Marine is a specialist division of Close Brothers, a leading merchant banking group. The company offers finance to wind farm support vessels (WFSV’s), powered barges, tug boats, fishing vessels, work boats and other commercial vessels valued up to £20 million. Its team of marine finance specialists use their extensive knowledge and expertise to support customers in fully understanding the processes and costs involved with ownership.

Seawork’s temporary pontoons are installed specifically for the exhibition to provide it with a working commercial marina. This is designed and installed by Walcon Marine, a UK company specialising in yacht harbours worldwide.

Walcon has drilled permanent sockets into the sea bed adjacent to Southampton’s Mayflower Park. Just prior to Seawork 2019 the company will move their specialist barge, Walcon Wizard into place. Armed with the socket co-ordinates and aided by one of their team on land with a GPS, the barge will line up with the sockets and gently drop the pontoon piles into place in time for Seawork.

Pontoons will then be securely attached to the piles and the 2019 Seawork marina will be ready for the influx of new and exciting vessels.