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Ahead of VALVE WORLD EXPO 2026, to be held in Düsseldorf on 1-3 December 2026, Messe Düsseldorf published an assessment focusing on the shipbuilding sector. According to the trade fair organiser, a significant part of the global fleet is awaiting renewal, while the maritime sector’s goal of becoming climate-neutral by around 2050 makes efficient valve solutions one of the key components of the transition.
A large fleet awaiting renewal
According to figures cited by Messe Düsseldorf, around 10,000 seagoing ships and 15,000 inland waterway vessels are in operation in Europe alone. Worldwide, more than 100,000 merchant ships and 25,000 naval vessels are at sea. A considerable proportion of this fleet needs to be modernised or replaced with newbuilds.
Valves in almost every ship system
Valves are used in almost all of a ship’s systems: chief among them are ballast water treatment, water, air and oil supply, fire protection, exhaust gas cleaning systems, fresh water on board, monitoring of engine functions and precise control of energy conversion.
Alternative fuels bring new valve requirements
According to the assessment, LNG and, further ahead, ammonia, hydrogen and synthetic diesel will gradually replace conventional fuels. It is emphasised that this transition will only be possible with valves designed specifically for these fuels. Messe Düsseldorf states that fleet renewal holds significant potential for the maritime sector, the environment and the valve industry.
Current trends and innovations in the valve sector will be showcased at VALVE WORLD EXPO, to be held in Düsseldorf on 1-3 December 2026.
Sources
Messe Düsseldorf / VALVE WORLD EXPO press release, “Valves to get the industry shipshape”, September 2026. Image: Messe Düsseldorf.
Author
Pompa Vana
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